Category: Green Team
America 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Agency, up to 50% of the water used for outdoor irrigation is wasted due to inefficient watering practices and outdated equipment.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]
Read MoreEarth Day at Hays Nature Preserve returns this Saturday with family friendly fun
April 15, 2026
Huntsville’s most beloved spring traditions is back. Green Team is hosting Earth Day at Hays Nature Preserve on Saturday, April 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., inviting residents of all ages to celebrate nature, learn something new and enjoy outdoor fun in a rustic outdoor setting. The free annual event is a highlight of the City’s Earth Month celebration and features hands‑on activities and live demonstrations while discovering local wildlife [more]
Read MoreSpring into Spring: Green Team hosting Earth Month events Friday, Saturday
April 9, 2026
Huntsville’s Green Team is inviting residents to spring into spring with a pair of Earth Month events designed to help the community grow a little greener. Earth Month launches tomorrow with a plant and supplies giveaway, followed by a community cleanup on Saturday. First up is the wildly popular Spring Plant & Cleanup Supplies Giveaway on Friday, April 10, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Jaycee Building at John [more]
Read MoreHuntsville launches citywide Earth Month celebration with cleanups and community fun
April 1, 2026
Huntsville is springing into Earth Month with a lively lineup of community cleanups, plant giveaways and family-friendly events designed to get residents outdoors and making a visible difference. All month long, Operation Green Team is inviting the community to celebrate the planet and take part in activities that help keep Huntsville clean, vibrant and beautiful. What began in 1970 as a small environmental teach-in has grown into a global call to [more]
Read More