The Nature Conservancy and Trees Atlanta are pleased to announce today’s Georgia launch and installation of “If Trees Could Sing” (nature.org/iftreescouldsingGA) on the Atlanta BeltLine Arboretum.

Specific trees with custom signs are designed to bring people closer to nature via their smartphones (download a map of sign locations). QR codes or texts connect visitors with video testimonials from a growing list of musicians, including Amy Grant, Taylor Hicks, Chuck Leavell, 8Ball and Kathy Mattea, talking about their favorite tree species and the importance of conservation. New videos will continue to be added from other well-known musicians, including some with ties to Atlanta. The program was originally installed in parks in Nashville, Tennessee and is expanding to other cities in that state as well.

Keyboardist for many rock legends including the Rolling Stones, Chuck Leavell said, “Being a part of ‘If Trees Could Sing’ has given me the opportunity to bring together two things that I am incredibly passionate about: music and nature. I hope this program will help people discover the importance of trees and the role they play in our environment.”

“The Nature Conservancy works across Georgia to protect forests that provide homes for animals, places for people to play and the clean air and water that we all need to thrive,” said Deron Davis, executive director of The Nature Conservancy in Georgia. “I am happy to capture the interest of Atlanta BeltLine enthusiasts with the importance of forest conservation in such a creative way.”

Connie Veates, co-executive director of Trees Atlanta, said, “We’re all proud of Atlanta being known as ‘the city in the forest,’ and we must all work together to keep it that way.”

The program officially launched in Atlanta on March 16 with a short program and performance by Atlanta singer/songwriter Doria Roberts.

