Team
Gene Hyde has been Chattanooga’s City Forester since the position was created in 1990. Through Gene’s hard work and dedication, the city’s urban tree canopy continues to grown and to thrive. Gene’s fastidious planning efforts and capable management were integral to TakeRoot’s success.
A certified arborist with a passion for volunteer organization and tree planting, Preston coordinates and carries out all aspects of the Take Root program. Now a full-time employee of Chattanooga’s urban forestry department, Preston works in several other capacities too.
Helen is a committed Chattanoogan. With the desire to foster environmental health while inspiring residents to invest in the livelihood of their communities, Helen’s vision and leadership grew TakeRoot from the seeds of ideas to realities of organized urban tree plantings.
As a dedicated environmental educator, Michael is the man behind the organization and launch of TakeRoot’s newest initiative, Citizen Forester.