Tree Commission Chair lends expertise to Arbor Day celebration; Knoxville, TN; 4/21/09

Knoxville woman uses passion for plants as Arbor Day chairwoman Knoxville News Sentinel - Knoxville,TN,USA
The tree board, as well as the position of city arborist and horticulturist, were established as part of Knoxville’s first tree ordinance in 1992 to combat the loss of tree canopy throughout Knox County.
Urban tree canopies are recognized for reducing air and noise pollution, providing wildlife habitat and enhancing water quality. Every year, the city of Knoxville plants 500 trees, each measuring 1.5 inches in diameter, along city streets. And each year, the city Tree Board, under the direction of Dessa Blair, hosts an Arbor Day celebration featuring the writing and drawing talent of students from area schools.