Charlottesville Area Tree Stewards

10/08/2026

Only three more days to collect and drop off acorns. (here in Charlottesville drop off is at 900 Natural Resources Drive at the main entrance) Accepted Species: White and red oak groups (such as White oak, Black oak, Chestnut oak), Allegheny chinkapin, American hazelnut, Black walnut, and Chinese chestnut.

10/04/2026

CATS member Alan said, "We are a mighty force in the tree world and beyond." Barbara added, "So much positive energy from all of us and our customers." Here are a few more photos of our sale, thank you all and see you next Spring!

10/04/2026

CATS held its 26th tree sale yesterday in chilly and unrelenting rain. We sold 586 trees! Phyllis remarked that, "This is no small feat with the weather we had." She added, "Thank you for your stamina and perservence yesterday. Your efforts came from the heart." Remarking on Phyllis stepping down from sale management, CATS President Indra added, "CATS volunteers will always be greatful to Phyllis for making the tree sale what it is." Folks learned that they need better raincoats, that we can count on each other, that our trees were huge and gorgeous despite the drought and that the public came out in the rain to purchase our shrubs and trees in support of all our efforts. Past co-manager of the sale, Robin said, "How fun and exciting the event itself is for a true multitude -49- members!"

10/03/2026

There is still a decent selection of trees and shrubs left, including:
- Buttonbush
- Hazelnut
- Pawpaw
- Redbud
- Sweetbay Magnolia
- A variety of Dogwoods
- A variety of Oaks
- And more

We'll be here at the Virginia Department of Forestry for another half hour for those that decide they're willing to brave the rain to snag some discounted native plants! Priced at $6, $12 and $16.

10/03/2026

10/02/2026

As an all-volunteer organization, we maintain our own nursery, concentrating on native trees and shrubs, some of which are hard to find from commercial sources. We offer our plants at a significantly reduced price so that more native trees can be planted in our community!

10/02/2026

It is with the sadness that all tree stewards feel when a mighty and mature specimen tree dies or becomes a hazard due to structural defects that CATS announces the loss of a Landmark Tree. The 2017 Landmark White Oak in Forest Hills Park in Charlottesville, Virginia was cut down due to a severe crack in a major crotch in the tree making it hazardous with its proximity to the playground and a widely used pedestrian area of the park. "I've cared for this tree for 18 years," said the arborist, who agreed that it was a tragic event. This tree replaced its sister Landmark Tree which had been dedicated in 2012 and died some time thereafter. Fortunately there are several other large trees in this beautiful urban park.

10/02/2026

Our September members meeting took place at the Piedmont Discovery Center's Quarry Gardens in Schuyler, VA. Devin Floyd's presentation "If Trees Could Talk: Hidden Stories, Past and Present," was informative and engaging. Several members of the public joined our group as it was also a CATS sponsored Tree Talk.
Photos by Bill Sublette

09/18/2026

Cats hosted a workday at Greenleaf Park in Charlottesville for the United Way Day of Caring event on September 16th. About 10 CATS members worked alongside 15 MSC employees by weeding the fern garden, pruning trees and removing deadwood and mulching the trail and young trees in the park. MSC workers also repaired a footbridge over the stream, a vital tributary of Meadow Creek and the company treated everyone to a delicious lunch. The fern garden was planted several years ago with seven types of ferns and was paid for with a Trees Virginia grant applied for by a CATS member who has lived in the Rose Hill neighborhood for fifty years.

07/02/2026

A team of six CATS members have worked diligently to develop a 5-year plan for CATS over six months. The Board approved the plan and this past week two CATS 5-year Plan Discussions were held to share the Plan and answer questions.