While Cooper-Young is known for its bars, restaurants, and local shopping, it is also a level 3 arboretum. Level III arboreta have at least 500 species of woody plants, employ a collections curator, have substantial educational programming, collaborate with other arboreta, publicize their collections, and actively participate in tree science and conservation, according to arbnet.org.
This month’s general meeting on June 11 will feature a tour of CY’s arboretum, with the goal of promoting beautification of Cooper-Young. The tour of the arboretum will be led by CY neighbor Judi Shellabarger, president of the West Tennessee chapter of the Tennessee Urban Forestry Council. She will show us why native trees are important to the environment and the diversity of the trees that grow in the Mid-South. Soul Ride will be available to transport those who want and need assistance. Bring your favorite wine and reusable cup to use at pitstops along the way where will have a drink and snacks. We will gather at the gazebo at Cooper and Young at 6 p.m. and leave at 6:20 p.m. — Sheree Stubblefield
