Community Outreach

Albuquerque Tree Initiative

The Albuquerque Tree Initiative (ATI) was established in May 2002, formalizing a relationship and collaboration that has existed for more than ten years between Tree New Mexico and the City of Albuquerque. Although there are many tree groups across the nation working cooperatively with their communities, this formal partnership, which establishes an independent community-based program, is the first of its kind in the country!

The seven-member ATI Board of Directors is structured to include representatives from the City of Albuquerque Parks and Recreation Department, TNM, and the Metropolitan Parks & Recreation Advisory Board, plus four other members from the community. The Board's main responsibilities are to develop financial goals and a marketing plan, organize tree related events and celebrations, and generally guide the efforts of ATI. Board members and others will seek grants and cash donations from public and private sources as well as in-kind donations.

The main purpose of the program is to raise funds to replace trees and plant additional trees in parks and other public places. The objectives include:

Expanding the City's ability to leverage funding dollars through corporate and private donations and foundation grants
Encouraging community ownership of parks and public spaces
Providing volunteer opportunities for local citizens, groups, and businesses through tree planting events

The Parks Department will provide the ATI Board with a "Five Year Plan" for where trees are needed most. The plan will include criteria for the species and size of replacement trees and for the parks where new trees will be planted. Many of the new trees will be planted using private contractors, but whenever possible, we will provide opportunities for community volunteers.

New Mexico Urban Forest Council

Tree New Mexico is a founding member of the New Mexico Urban Forest Council, a citizen-based group that advises the State Forester on the best ways to preserve, protect, expand and improve New Mexico's urban and community forests.

The Council is authorized by the State Forester under Section 9 of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 (PL 95-313) as amended by the 1990 Farm Bill (PL 101-624).