Category: Green Team
From City Hall to Community Service: Zach Hester’s volunteer journey
July 30, 2026
When you ask Zach Hester what keeps him rooted in Huntsville, his answer comes easily: community. As a former City of Huntsville employee who supported City Council through communications and administrative work, Zach says he loved knowing his efforts made a tangible difference each day. He could see the impact on residents, on Council, and on staff—and that sense of purpose stuck with him even after moving on from municipal [more]
Read MorePlanting It Forward: Dig, Divide, Donate
July 27, 2026
Late summer into fall is a great time to refresh the garden and perennials are dynamic plants that can quickly fill a space when they’re planted in the right location. Dividing healthy, established plants provides plenty to share with friends, create a new garden bed, or fill bare spots in the landscape. Many perennials readily reseed, and volunteer seedlings often appear where they aren’t wanted. A little strategic thinning and dividing [more]
Read MoreSimple ways to reduce your carbon footprint
July 24, 2026
Most of our carbon footprint comes from simple, everyday habits—and that means we have the power to change it just as simply. Living sustainably isn’t just a personal choice; it’s a citywide commitment. The City is continually working to conserve energy, reduce litter and waste, expand the tree canopy, protect natural spaces and strengthen sustainability practices throughout the community. This month, Green Team Manager Niki Sothers shares practical ways we [more]
Read MoreAmerica 250: The volunteer spirit behind the Greatest American Cleanup
June 30, 2026
As America prepares to celebrate its Semiquincentennial, communities across the country are stepping up through the Greatest American Cleanup—a nationwide initiative launched by Keep America Beautiful in 2023. The effort challenges cities to reduce litter, beautify neighborhoods and inspire environmental stewardship. Huntsville embraced that challenge early. In 2023, Mayor Tommy Battle signed the Greatest American Cleanup Pledge on behalf of the City, committing Huntsville to measurable improvements and greater community engagement. [more]
Read MoreKick the Plastic Habit: Easy Wins for Plastic Free July
June 26, 2026
Every July, people around the world take part in Plastic Free July, a movement that encourages reducing single‑use plastics and making more sustainable choices. While eliminating plastic entirely isn’t always realistic, small changes throughout the month can reduce waste, protect wildlife and help keep Huntsville tidy. One of the simplest places to start is with plastic shopping bags. When not properly disposed of, they can become litter, clog storm drains and [more]
Read MoreMeet Huntsville’s First Tree Hero
June 25, 2026
For decades, Huntsville’s tree canopy and landscape standards have benefitted from the quiet, steady leadership of volunteer John H. Allen—the City’s first Tree Hero. His connection to trees goes back generations. John grew up learning tree names from his father and grandfather, a sawmiller in the 1930s. Later, as a Scoutmaster for 12 years, he passed that same knowledge to hundreds of local youths. His interest in landscaping eventually led him [more]
Read MoreWater Wisely: Smart Irrigation Can Make Every Drop Count
June 24, 2026
As North Alabama heads into peak summer heat, outdoor water use naturally goes up, and so does the opportunity to make smarter, more efficient choices. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, up to 50% of the water used for outdoor irrigation is wasted due to inefficient watering practices and outdated equipment. With demand for water increasing, homeowners and businesses alike are turning to modern irrigation technology to save water, protect landscapes [more]
Read MoreSmart ways to beat the heat this summer
May 29, 2026
Summer in Huntsville often means air conditioners working overtime. While staying cool is important during the hottest months, there are also plenty of simple ways everyone can reduce energy use, lower utility bills and make more sustainable choices. Make the Most of Ceiling Fans: Ceiling fans are one of the easiest ways to stay comfortable while reducing air conditioning use. Fans help circulate cool air and create a wind-chill effect that [more]
Read MoreHuntsville Green Team Honors Students, Educators at 2026 Green Ambassador Awards
May 19, 2026
The City of Huntsville Green Team hosted its annual Green Ambassador Awards Ceremony in May 2026, recognizing outstanding students, educators and schools for their commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability education across the community. More than 35 schools participated in the 2025-2026 Green Ambassador Program, engaging thousands of students in hands-on environmental projects, conservation initiatives and sustainability-focused learning experiences throughout the school year. The Green Ambassador Program, coordinated by the City’s Green [more]
Read MoreTurn your landscape into a living pantry
May 1, 2026
Edible gardening, also known as foodscaping, is a trend homeowners should consider. The old idea that ornamental plants must stay separate from the vegetable garden is becoming a thing of the past. There’s no need to build new beds when you can tuck edible plants directly into your existing landscape, creating spaces that are both beautiful and productive. Foodscaping also opens the door to creative, sustainable design that makes the most [more]
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