Tree Commission
Meetings
- 5:00 pm on the first Tuesday of every month
- Public Conference Room
Charlottesville Parks & Recreation Administration Office
501 E. Main Street
Charlottesville, VA 22902
Members
The commission has 10 members plus the City’s Urban Forester, a Planning Commission Representative, and a Charlottesville Area Tree Stewards representative who serve 3-year terms.
Member | Representing | Current Term(*) | |
Jody Lahendro | Planning Commission | 1/1/20—8/31/22 | |
Mark Zollinhofer | CATS | 6/16/20 – 11/30/22 | |
Peggy Van Yahres, Chair | At Large | 4/1/20 – 3/31/23 | |
Mark Rylander | At Large | 4/1/20 – 3/31/23 | |
Jeff Pacelli | At Large | 6/16/20 – 3/31/23 | |
Makshya Tolbert | At Large | 3/22/22 – 3/31/23 | |
Jeff Aten, Vice Chair | At Large | 4/1/21 – 3/31/24 | |
Victoria Metcalf | At Large | 4/1/21 – 3/31/24 | |
Jean Umiker-Sebeok | At Large | 4/1/21 – 3/31/24 | |
Holly Lafferty | LIN (Belmont) | 4/1/22 – 3/31/25 | |
Tim Padalino | LIN (10th & Page) | 4/1/22 – 3/31/25 | |
Donna Shaunesey | At Large | 4/1/22 – 3/31/25 | |
Steven Gaines | Urban Forester – Charlottesville Parks and Recreation |
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Purpose
The purpose of the City of Charlottesville Tree Commission (“Commission”) is to advise and assist City Council, the Planning Commission, and City staff in the planting, protection, preservation, and removal of trees located on public right-of-ways and public property. In monitoring these public trees, the Commission strives to protect and improve the urban forest to provide better quality of life and health outcomes for City residents and to secure meaningful environmental and aesthetic benefits.
To achieve these objectives, the Commission works to enhance the diversity and health of the City’s tree canopy, educates the community about the critical importance of trees, and advocates for public and private resources and engagement. The Commission remains informed about local changes and intentions involving trees as well as plans for public lands and City infrastructure. When and where appropriate, the Commission advises on protection of trees and tree canopy on private property.
Donate to the Tree Planting Program
As stewards of Charlottesville’s legacy, Charlottesville Parks and Recreation is dedicated to enhancing quality of life in the city by providing unique programs in safe, beautiful, and resilient places. Any interested party can donate to the Parks and Recreation Department in order to protect and improve the urban forest, which provides better quality of life for City residents and provides environmental and aesthetic benefits, by preserving and monitoring all trees located on public rights-of-ways and public property.