Field Trip: Community Resilience in Action: Trees, Water and Green Infrastructure in English Avenue
Sat Aug 01 | 9am-11am | Lindsey Street Park
Join Trees Atlanta, Travys Harper, and Annie Moore for a tour of green infrastructure projects in Atlanta’s English Avenue neighborhood.
Atlanta’s urban forest is more than a backdrop—it’s essential infrastructure. Atlanta’s trees and green spaces absorb and slow stormwater, reduce flooding, improve air quality, cool our homes and create healthier, more resilient communities. Without trees, flooding becomes not just an inconvenience but a serious threat to homes, safety, and quality of life. For decades, flooding in West Atlanta neighborhoods like English Avenue has been a recurring crisis. Heavy rainfall overwhelmed aging sewer systems, flooding streets and homes—and in some cases, pushing raw sewage into living spaces.
Today, English Ave is at the forefront of innovative solutions. As climate change brings more intense and frequent storms, we’ll learn how green infrastructure—especially trees, parks, and thoughtfully designed “sponge” landscapes—is helping to manage stormwater, restore balance, and protect communities. English Avenues' green infrastructure projects serve as a model and inspiration for building a more resilient future for Atlanta and its residents.
About the Guides:
- Travys Harper is the Program Manager at HARPSCAPE Environmental Design and a prominent Southeast Region-based environmental specialist. Travys is deeply respected for his work in fostering sustainability and mentoring the next generation of environmental stewards in the Atlanta metro area. He's earned degrees in Environmental Design and Construction from Auburn University, College of Architecture, Design and Construction. He served as the Workforce Development Supervisor and Green Infrastructure manager at Trees Atlanta. In 2020, he was named to the Georgia Tree Council’s first annual list of STARs—young leaders under 40 demonstrating exceptional service and results in urban forestry. In April 2021, he was appointed as a Supervisor for the Gwinnett County Soil and Water Conservation District.
- Annie Moore is the Director of Operations at Green Team English Ave, Inc. She leads the Westside Passive Cooling Tree Equity Partnership Project to directly address inequitable outcomes of the EPA's removal of lead waste from the soil - a byproduct of the steel industry that once operated in this area of Atlanta. During the remediation process, much of the tree canopy that existed in English Avenue and Vine City was removed, along with truckloads of topsoil. The deforestation of English only exacerbates challenges of urban heat, flooding, health, and the quality of life for English Ave residents. Annie and the Green Team are changing the future of their community.
City in a Forest Certification: The City Forest Certification is Trees Atlanta’s newest community action program. This hands-on program is designed to guide and empower everyday people with practical knowledge and skills. Neighbor by neighbor and property by property, we can grow and connect a network of forests big and small. By attending this program, you can earn 1 Acorn towards your City Forest Certification. Learn more about the acorns you can earn related to **Trees and Environment **here such as a rain garden and reducing impervious surfaces
Additional Information
- Getting There: Meet your guide at Lindsey Street Park at 9 am. (551 Oliver St NW, Atlanta, GA 30314). Street parking is available. Public transit options include: MARTA bus Route 14 (Blandtown/Hightower Road) or Route 26. The closest MARTA rail station is typically Bankhead or West Lake Station, requiring a short bus transfer via Route 14. Plan your trip using the MARTA Trip Planner.
- What to Bring and Wear: Reusable water bottle, comfortable shoes (that can get muddy), sunscreen, layers of clothing, hats/sunglasses, and bug repellent are recommended.
- Terrain, Incline, and Length: The total length of the walk is 1 mile. Mostly paved trail and sidewalks.
- Registration required. This is a free tour. Please consider donating when registering.
- Safety, Inclement Weather, and Cancellation Policy: Learn more about our safety protocols here.
- Questions: If you have any questions or comments regarding this event, please email education@treesatlanta.org.
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