2009 High Tree Party
- April 24, 2009
- Spring Hill Cemetery,
5110 Gallatin Pike - 17 champion trees recognized
Party Gallery
Winners Gallery
List of Winners
2008 Party
Victor Johnson
Award Winners
2009 Warner Bass
2008 Joe Thompson
2007 Martin Brown
2006 No Award
2005 May Dean Eberling
2004 Randall Lantz
2003 Jim Fyke
2002 George H. Cate Jr.
2001 Armistead Barkley
1998 H.G. Hill Realty
1997 Carl Pitchford
1996 Ann Chapman
1995 Victor Johnson
Nashville Tree Foundation works to preserve and enhance Nashville's urban forest by educating the public, planting trees in urban areas, identifying the oldest and largest trees in Davidson County, and designating arboretums.
Tree lovers celebrate at High Tree Party
More than 50 tree lovers gathered at Springhill Cemetery for the Tree Foundation’s 22nd annual High Tree Party celebrating Davidson County’s biggest trees.
The historic cemetery, a Nashville landmark since 1785, was chosen for its four champions, said Foundation president Betty Brown. A Douglas Fir, Blue Atlas Cedar, Siberian Elm, and a flowering cherry were spotted by Mark Hackney, who has nominated more than 80 champions over the past two decades. The freelance photographer who loves trees and wildflowers said two could possibly be state champions.
Judge Robin Bible
Judge Robin Bible describe each of the winning trees and awarded certificates to the nominators and owners.
Warner Bass was presented the Victor Johnson Award for contributions to Nashville’s urban forest. (See story below.) The award is named for the deceased president and chief executive officer of Aladdin Industries for the impact he had on Nashville’s landscape by setting the standard for tree-friendly developers.
Foundation president Betty Brown surprised Friends of Warner Parks executive director Eleanor Willis with a check for $10,000 to help purchase the Hill Tract, over 300 acres including an old-growth forest adjacent to the Warner Parks.
Everyone enjoyed tree-related foods including black walnut banana muffins and pecan strawberry bread with fruits, nuts, and, of course, tea.
The Big Old Tree Contest is held every spring to create an inventory of the biggest trees in Davidson County. The Tree Foundation has recognized more than 500 champions in the past 22 years.
Bass named Victor Johnson Award winner
Warner Bass receives a handcrafted maple bowl in honor of his Victor Johnson Award from Tree Foundation president Betty Brown and board member Eleanor Willis.
Nashville Tree Foundation honored attorney Warner Bass with the Victor Johnson Award for his contributions to Nashville’s urban forest at the High Tree Party.
The award is named for the late president and chief executive officer of Aladdin Industries for the impact he had on Nashville’s landscape by setting the standard for tree-friendly developers.
“Warner Bass shares Victor’s reverence for trees, is passionate about the environment, and epitomizes the Foundation’s mission: to preserve and enhance Nashville’s urban forest,” said Eleanor Willis, a founding board member of Nashville Tree Foundation.
One of the founders of Friends of Warner Parks in 1987, Bass’ contributions to the parks are extensive and ongoing, Willis said. “He was president of Friends for many years, led the fund-raising five years ago to purchase 130 acres near the Park to keep it out of the hands of a developer, and currently chairs the committee to raise funds to add the 322 acres of undeveloped forest land known as the Hill Tract to the Warner Parks.”
“It’s an honor to be on the same list as the previous winners,” Bass said.
Willis presented the grandson of Edwin Warner—for the whom the park is named —a handcrafted bowl made by artist Pat Matranga from wood rescued from a maple tree at Warner Parks.