Category: Green Team
Sustainable clothing: Breaking the fast fashion cycle
February 20, 2026
Every year, millions of tons of clothing are discarded worldwide. In the United States alone, around 9 million tons of unwanted clothing and footwear end up in landfills annually. This growing waste is driven largely by fast fashion – inexpensive, trend-driven clothing designed to be worn only a few times before being replaced. While fast fashion seems affordable and convenient, it comes with serious environmental consequences. The trend relies on rapid [more]
Read MoreHuntsville approves naming of arboretum for longtime Landscape Director Joy McKee
February 12, 2026
The Huntsville City Council has approved an ordinance to name the new three-acre Huntsville Arboretum at John Hunt Park the “Joy McKee Arboretum.” McKee retired after 22 years with the City as Director of Landscape Management, where she spearheaded efforts to improve environmental conservation, substantially expand Huntsville’s tree canopy and enhance natural public spaces. Under her leadership, the City introduced numerous nature-based recreation, community volunteering and educational opportunities – laying the [more]
Read MoreVolunteers needed for City-Wide Weed Wrangle
February 1, 2026
The City of Huntsville’s Green Team is teaming up with the Land Trust of North Alabama and Wild Ones North Alabama Chapter for a City-Wide Weed Wrangle on Saturday, March 7, from 9 a.m. to noon. Volunteers are needed for this hands-on invasive plant removal event aimed at protecting some of Huntsville’s most treasured natural spaces. “Invasive plants may look harmless, but they spread aggressively, crowd out native species, and disrupt [more]
Read MoreRooted in Community: How Goodway Lodge No. 222 Gives Back
January 31, 2026
For more than 100 years, Goodway Lodge No. 222 has been a cornerstone of community service in Huntsville. Chartered in 1901 under the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Alabama, the Lodge’s 60 active members live by the principles of brotherly love, relief, and truth—and they put those values into action every day. From donating school supplies and pantry items to local schools, to adopting families during the holidays, to [more]
Read MoreHuntsville introduces proposal to name arboretum for longtime Landscape Director Joy McKee
January 22, 2026
The City introduced an ordinance to name the new 3-acre Huntsville Arboretum at John Hunt Park the “Joy McKee Arboretum.” Joy McKee retired after 22 years with the City as the Director of Landscape Management, where she led efforts to substantially expand the City’s natural public spaces, tree canopy and nature-based recreation and educational offerings. She also served for 28 years on the board of Operation Green Team and 26 years [more]
Read MoreThe Art of Pruning
December 29, 2025
Pruning is both an art and a science; the art is making clean, confident cuts, and the science is knowing when, where and how to prune so your plants grow stronger, healthier and more beautiful. So, why prune? Proper pruning keeps plants the right size, prevents weak branch structures, increases sunlight and removes dead or diseased wood. If you want to dig deeper, and discover the best times to prune, Alabama [more]
Read MoreVolunteer Spotlight: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity leans into community service
December 1, 2025
Green Team is proud to spotlight the work of the Delta Theta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., whose commitment to community service and civic pride is the perfect fit for Adopt-a-Spot. Founded on the principles of Manly Deeds, Scholarship, and Love for All Mankind, the chapter saw Adopt-a-Spot as a natural extension of their mission. “Stewardship of the environment aligns perfectly with our values,” Casmere H. Taylor, chapter [more]
Read MoreDig Into December: What to Plant This Month
November 29, 2025
December is a wonderful time to plant trees, shrubs and perennials. Adding garden center gift cards or a few special plants to your holiday wish list can help you create living memories that last a lifetime. Here are a few excellent choices to brighten your garden and holiday arrangements: Southern Magnolia – A true Southern classic, this evergreen beauty reaches 60–80 feet tall and is beloved for its glossy leaves and large [more]
Read More‘Tis the season of giving
November 25, 2025
Green Team is inviting everyone to give something simple this holiday season – time. Just one hour spent picking up litter on the street, or in neighborhoods and parks, can make a real difference toward a cleaner, greener community. Team up with a friend, go solo, or organize a quick group clean-up, every bit helps keep Huntsville beautiful. Need supplies? Green Team will provide bags and gloves for neighborhood clean-up efforts. To [more]
Read MoreVolunteers Help Expand Huntsville’s Tree Canopy at Cavalry Hill
November 10, 2025
In a tree-de-force, more than 80 community volunteers gathered at Cavalry Hill Community Center on Saturday, Nov. 8 for Cavalry Hill Tree Planting Day. The planting event celebrated community spirit and environmental stewardship as participants worked together to plant more than 250 trees in just over an hour. District 1 Council Member Michelle Watkins, Landscape Management Director Brian Walker and Green Team Manager Niki Sothers rolled up their sleeves planting trees [more]
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