Leadership
The Root Nashville campaign is a public-private partnership led by the Cumberland River Compact and Metro Nashville. Metro Water Services is the lead campaign partner from Metro Nashville.
Cumberland River Compact
The Cumberland River Compact’s mission is to enhance the health and enjoyment of the Cumberland River and its tributaries through education, collaboration, and action. Trees strengthen stream banks, cool streams and rivers, prevent soil erosion, and filter stormwater. The Cumberland River Compact has a long history of tree planting in the Cumberland River basin and employs expert arborists and tree professionals to select tree species that are most suited to Nashville’s environment.
As the lead operational partner in the Root Nashville campaign, the Compact distributes free, large trees to neighborhood yards, plants community reforestation projects, waters thousands of young trees each summer, and leads the Neighborhood Planting Captain program.
“Trees are some of the most dynamic infrastructure we have. As living organisms, they cool our city, manage stormwater, and protect water quality all at the same time—supporting healthier communities and cleaner drinking water.”
Metro Water Services
Metro Water Services provides water, wastewater, and stormwater services to over 250,000 residents. Their mission is to supply, treat, manage, and protect our water resources in a sustainable manner for the benefit of all who live, work, and play in our community. Trees filter pollutants from stormwater, reduce flooding and erosion, and cool surface water in our streams and rivers.
“Trees provide environmental, social, and economic benefits. Planting trees is one of the most cost-effective ways to decrease flooding and promote cleaner waterways; therefore, trees are a critical strategy in Nashville’s stormwater management. This is why Metro Water Services is fully committed to our partnership in the Root Nashville campaign.”
Advisory Board
The campaign is guided by an Advisory Board, which consists of partner organizations that contribute expertise and support to Root Nashville, and expand its impact. NashvilleHealth leads this group as chair of the Advisory Board.
NashvilleHealth, chair
Cumberland River Compact, operational lead
Metro Water Services, Metro Nashville lead
Mayor’s Office
Metro Public Health Department
Nashville Tree Conservation Corps
Nashville Tree Foundation
Hawkins Partners, Inc.
Cheekwood Botanical Gardens