Category: Green Team
Huntsville Tree Commission honors visionary leader who helped shape the City’s urban forest
October 13, 2026
Long before tree canopy preservation, landscaping standards and urban forestry became common priorities in communities across Alabama, Charles “Chuck” Weber was laying the foundation for Huntsville’s future. Today, the Huntsville Tree Commission recognized Weber with the Tree Hero Award, honoring his decades of leadership, advocacy and innovation in urban forestry. His contributions helped establish many of the policies and programs that continue to guide Huntsville’s approach to tree preservation and management. “Chuck’s [more]
Read MoreTapping into community spirit: Straight to Ale helps keep Huntsville clean
September 30, 2026
For the team at Straight to Ale, giving back to Huntsville isn’t just good citizenship—it’s brewed into their DNA. After 17 years rooted in The Rocket City, the popular brewery’s crew wanted a hands-on way to support the community that has supported them. “We wanted to find a way to make a direct, positive impact in our community, and the Huntsville Green Team’s Adopt-a-Spot program was a great opportunity to do [more]
Read MoreA Day of Service: Huntsville Comes Together for National Cleanup Day
September 25, 2026
Holmes Park was buzzing with energy on September 19 as more than 220 volunteers braved a sweltering 100+ degree day to support National Cleanup Day and help keep Huntsville litter‑free. Thanks to strong community turnout—including students, alumni, and representatives from Alabama A&M University and Leidos—the event made a visible impact across the Holmes Avenue area. Supported by TVA grant funding, Green Team staff Niki Sothers, Joel Donelan, Lamond Nabors, Dan Waldrop, [more]
Read MoreGetting to the root of it: What’s really happening beneath our feet?
September 18, 2026
For generations, many of us have heard and repeated a familiar assumption: Tree roots in the ground mirror the crown above. It’s a tidy thought, but as Huntsville City Arborist Marc Byers explains, it’s far from accurate. And understanding the truth matters for the long‑term health and stability of Huntsville’s urban trees. “The roots may be hidden, but they’re doing all the heavy lifting,” Byers said. “When we take care of [more]
Read MoreZero Waste Week: Swap it like you mean it
August 25, 2026
A zero‑waste kitchen doesn’t require a full overhaul immediately, but if you start with just a few smart swaps, it will add up over time. With Zero Waste Week kicking off September 7, now’s a great moment to take stock of what you use every day and refresh a few habits. “Creating a zero‑waste kitchen doesn’t happen overnight, but every small change matters,” said Huntsville’s Green Team Manager Niki Sothers. “When [more]
Read MoreCity of Huntsville honors standout landscapes at annual Beautification Awards
August 20, 2026
Mayor Tommy Battle and City Council members, in conjunction with the City’s Green Team and the Huntsville Beautification Board, recognized 376 properties today at the annual Beautification Awards ceremony. “It’s a critical responsibility to protect Huntsville’s natural beauty. The individuals and organizations honored today show how creativity and care can shape a healthier, more vibrant city for everyone,” Mayor Tommy Battle said. “Every property recognized this year reflects a deep sense [more]
Read MoreFrom 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 More