The Midtown Urban Forestry Fellowship:
A Collaborative Partnership
About
Founded in 2014, the Midtown Urban Forestry Fellowship was created as a partnership between Rhodes College and the Overton Park Conservancy. It aims to provide academic and professional opportunity for students and faculty, while benefitting the OPC staff, community members and park goers alike. The Fellowship currently focuses on the cultural and biological significance of the Old Forest State Natural Area, and public green spaces as they exist in Memphis. In addition to this partnership, the Fellows also take on the responsibility of managing the Level IV Arboretum on campus - with the help of Rhodes & OPC staff, and local forestry experts.
Overton Park Conservancy
Founded in 1901, Overton Park is a landmark of Midtown and the greater Memphis area. Across the 342 acres of land, it offers Memphians and visitors alike a space for recreation, relaxation, culture, community, and nature. In 2011, the city of Memphis granted management responsibility of the the public space and Old Forest State Natural Area to the Overton Park Conservancy. The organization’s mission is he Rhodes College community shares a close connection and appreciation for the park as it is right across the street from campus.
Rhodes Tree Campus Committee
The Tree Campus Committee oversees the future of the Rhodes College Arboretum. Teammates collaborate on necessary certifications & plans, as well as care & maintenance of the trees on campus and the Arboretum Guide.
Eric Bridges - Director of Operations, Overton Park Conservancy
Ashley Caruana - Urban Forestry Fellow, Rhodes College ‘22
Brain Foshee - Director of Physical Plant, Rhodes College
Dr. Terry Hill - Professor of Biology, Rhodes College
Shannon Kane - Previous Forestry Fellow, Rhodes College ‘20
Dr. Kimberly Kasper - Professor of Anthropology/Sociology, Rhodes College
Robert Laport - Professor of Biology, Rhodes College
Tim Lucas - Associate Director of Physical Plant, Rhodes College
Lily Roberts - Urban Forestry Fellow, Rhodes College ‘22
Allie Swanson - Previous Forestry Fellow, Rhodes College '20
Additional Community Stakeholders:
Dr. Dorian Burnette
Dr. Burnette is an Associate Professor of Earth Sciences department at the University of Memphis. Learn more about his projects and published work here.
Dr. Burnette has been integral to both our forestry and archaeology projects - helping us to expand our dendrochronological research and educating Rhodes students at our annual field school.