Chuck Leavell

Since his days with the Allman Brothers Band (1972-1976) and Sea Level (1976-1980), Chuck Leavell has become one of the most respected keyboardists in the world of rock 'n' roll. Touring and recording with the legendary Rolling Stones over the past two decades, along the way he has played and/or recorded with Eric Clapton, George Harrison, the Black Crowes, the Indigo Girls, and many other artists. Leavell is an inductee to both the Georgia Music Hall of Fame and the Alabama Music Hall of Fame.

At the same time, his work at Charlane Plantation--the award-winning tree farm he and his wife Rose Lane have created near Macon, Georgia--has earned Leavell a fast growing reputation as one of our country's foremost conservationists. Twice named Outstanding Tree Farmer for Georgia, and National Outstanding Tree Farmer in 1999, he has also been recognized by the National Arbor Day Foundation, the Georgia Conservancy, and many other conservation organizations.

Leavell is a respected authority on forestry and conservation. In 2001, he penned "Forever Green: The History and Hope of the American Forest." This book is now in its second printing in the U.S. and has been translated and released in Germany and Austria. Leavell is a highly sought after speaker on the subject, invited by various committees, environmental officials and high level government officials to share his knowledge and help shape forest policy in America. Along with several conservation recognitions, he and his wife Rose Lane were given the ultimate honor for their outstanding management of their own forestland, Charlane Plantation in Macon, Georgia, by being named National Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year in 1999.

He is also author of "Between Rock and a Home Place” and the children's book "The Tree Farmer," which was awarded the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture's Book of the Year award.
Today, Leavell plays a strong role in environmental issues in the US and beyond. He is a Board member of several important and influential organizations including the American Forest Foundation, the US Endowment for Forests and Communities, the Georgia Land Conservation Council and others. His name is well known on Capitol Hill for his advocacy work on behalf of the environment, and he has played a solid role in forming the forest component of the past two US Farm Bills. He currently serves as a spokesperson for the Georgia Forestry Association and the American Tree Farm System. In 2009 he and his partner, Joel Babbit, co-founded The Mother Nature Network (mnn.com), one of the top environmental websites in the world.

About STIHL

STIHL Inc. manufactures the world's largest selling brand of chain saws and cut-off machines and produces a full line of powerful, lightweight, and versatile handheld outdoor power equipment for homeowners and professional users.

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