MISSOURI: Montgomery Archives

The Grove, an online community that brings together nature enthusiasts to plant trees and protect the urban tree canopy, is now open to residents across the country.  The goal of The Grove is to enable members to share the experience of planting trees and commemorating life moments online with family, friends and their communities. Members can upload pictures, videos and captions of their tree planting experiences, discuss tree-related issues and get updates on local planting events. The Grove also offers a tree match tool to choose the right tree to commemorate a special event, as well as information on planting and care tips.

Created and funded by the Georgia Urban Forest Council (GUFC), the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) and the USDA Forest Service, the online community opened in the Southeast in 2009 and 2010 before its national launch this year.  “After testing the online community at the regional level, we found that our target audience – individuals and families interested in sustainable living – wants to discuss forestry issues affecting their local communities online,” said Susan Granbery, urban and community forestry coordinator for the GFC. “Each state and territory has a specific group within The Grove so members can find local advice for national and global forestry issues.”

The Grove also connects families with information and activities to create green legacies.  “Parents can find information in The Grove to help them raise environmentally conscious children,” said Mary Lynne Beckley, executive director of GUFC. “From highlighting the benefits of planting trees locally to discussing grief by planting a tree in memory of a relative or pet, the online community provides information that is pertinent to families in their daily lives.”

In starting The Grove in Missouri, we chose the Missouri Community Forestry Council as our partner making MCFC the recipient of any donations.  Contact Nick Kuhn at 573.522.4115 x3306 with any questions.

Sign up now to become a member, create a profile at www.AmericanGrove.org/TheGrove. To visit the Missouri page and just look around: http://americangrove.org/mo  The Grove is also on Facebook and Twitter so like, follow, repost and retweet to get the word out.  We have lots of people who love trees in Missouri, ask everyone to share their story!