Tree Board Projects & Activities

HENDERSONVILLE TREE BOARD PROJECTS 2024 (ANNUAL REPORT)

2024 Highlights: The Tree Board organized the first Bradford Pear Bounty event – supporting a new statewide effort to eliminate invasive, dangerous Bradford Pear trees. ͠͠ Several new Pollinator Beds were planted throughout the City as part of Hendersonville’s Bee City USA initiative and a new Pollinator Trail was created. ͠͠ Methods that avoid loss of tree canopy and general loss of trees in the City’s Urban Forest coverage is something the Tree Board continues to address, including a proposed Urban Forestry Plan, revisions to the City’s tree ordinance, and input into the City’s strategic and long-range planning ͠͠ The Tree Board organized other events and projects this year, which helped focus and reflect residents’ interest in trees.

October 18-25 -- NeighborWoods Tree Plantings. Residents in the historic Druid Hills neighborhood and residents in Saddlebrook development requested free trees through the NeighborWoods program. The trees will be delivered to the neighborhoods during the week for planting.

Sunday, October 13 – Explore Brooklyn Creek Restoration Project. 2 p.m. Meet at Sullivan Park pavilion in Green Meadows Community. Park along Martin Circle. (Rain date: Sun., Oct. 20, 2 p.m.) Mike Huffman, the City’s project manager for this extensive stream restoration project, will explain not only the project – which uncovered portions of the stream long forgotten – but also the relevance of the stream in the history of this community. A restored Bird Sanctuary, restoration of the natural meandering stream, streambank plantings, and upcoming community involvement will be discussed during this less-than-1/2-mile stroll. Unfortunately, this event was cancelled due to Hurricane Helene.

Mid-August - September – Symbolic Monarch Migration. Through Bee City USA-Hendersonville, the City of Hendersonville sponsored free registration for this international program for any school, non-profit organization, family, or other group located within the City of Hendersonville, up to 20 groups. The annual International Symbolic Monarch Migration Education Program mimics the monarchs’ journey by engaging more than 10,000 children from across the United States and Canada in creating paper butterflies to send to students in Mexico which is where the real-life monarchs arrive for the winter. Students receive messages back from the students in Mexico, learning authentic lessons of conservation and cooperation.

Saturday, August 17, Maple Street Farmers Market. 8 a.m.-2 pm. -- A booth at the Maple Street Farmers Market, shared by the Tree Board and Environmental Sustainability Board, highlighted the symbolic monarch migration project of the Bee City USA-Hendersonville. Tree Board members Glenn Lange and Janet Thew displayed the Tree Board’s eye-catching banner, informative brochure, and Useful Tree and Plant Information sheet, as well as a QR code connection to the City’s NeighborWoods program. Passersby were interested in NeighborWoods info, and several questions about tree care were fielded.

Saturday, June 15 – A Guided Walk to Celebrate Pollinator Week. 9 a.m. Downtown. – From landscaped pollinator beds surrounding the Bee Mural in the Azalea parking lot to flower-filled hanging baskets and pollinator-friendly trees, shrubs, and grasses along Main Street to adjoining neighborhood pollinator gardens, pollinators are thoughtfully supported throughout downtown Hendersonville. A dozen interested folks joined the guided stroll to explore and learn about urban pollinator gardening, created as part of Hendersonville’s Bee City USA program, with Mark Stierwalt, Hendersonville’s Public Works Superintendent. Open to the public at no charge.

Saturday, May 25- Sunday, May 26 – Garden Jubilee. 9 a.m. -5 p.m. Hendersonville Main St. One of the largest garden shows in WNC. The TB asked vendors to sell only native and non-invasive plants at the event. About six vendors were dealing in native plants only – a significant increase from years past.

Friday, May 10 – Arbor Day Ceremony. Noon. Patton Park. Three oak trees were planted near the upper pathway to Oklawaha Greenway. The Mayor read a proclamation of May 10 as Tree City Day in Hendersonville. The Rotary Club donated a $300 gift card to the Tree Board for Garden Gate Nursery. Four Seasons Rotary has organized Arbor Day events for the City since 1991.

Saturday. May 4 – NC Bradford Pear Tree Exchange. 9-11 a.m. City Operations Center, 305 Williams Street. Teaming up with the NC Forest Service, NC Urban Forest Council, and NC Wildlife Federation, the TB encouraged residents to properly remove and replace these invasive trees. Hendersonville's first NC Bradford Pear Bounty exchange went smoothly, no rain occurred, and those who came by to pick up trees to replace the Bradford Pears that they had cut down were happy with the variety and good quality of their free trees. Over 100 trees were given out. Participants had pre-registered, so on Sat., May 4, they checked in and showed the photo of the tree(s) they had cut down to volunteers who greeted them. They were given a list of the variety of trees available ... they stopped by Stop #2 to get advice about the best tree to pick, and then pulled around the City Operations Center building to Stop #3, where volunteers loaded their trees and provided bagged mulch to help the trees get a good start. Participants helped the NC Bradford Pear Exchange program by filling out a survey to provide information on why they wanted to participate in the exchange, how they heard about the event, and so on. Pawpaw. redbud, tulip poplar, Virginia pine, white oak, beech, serviceberry, sourwood – a total of 17 varieties of trees were available to choose from. Tree Board member Mary Davis helped organize the event and many volunteers helped do the check-in, give advice on tree care, and load trees and bags of mulch.

Saturday, April 20 – Hendo Earth Fest event on Main Street. 10 am- 3 pm. Bee City USA and Tree Board had booths at this second annual Fest, sponsored by Environmental Sustainability Board. Many organizations involved in environmental, conservation, and sustainability efforts in the region participated. The TB organized a drawing for a lovely specimen Flame Azalea, spearheaded by Tree Board member Natalie Wilcoxen. More than 100 visitors to the Tree Board booth were reported. Early April – NeighborWoods Tree Planting Projects. Participants were Oklawaha Village, Henderson Village, Blue Ridge Villas, Park Place, and Druid Hills neighborhood … a total of 62 trees, including dogwoods, redbuds, sweetbay and saucer magnolias, serviceberry, crabapple, and red oak were planted at those locations. The trees were planted in honor of recently retired TB Chair Mac Brackett.

Monday, February 26 -- All About Caring for the Trees in Your Backyard. 5-6:30 pm. Hendersonville Operations Center, 305 Williams St. Steve Pettis, horticultural agent with Cooperative Extension Service, presented an informative program with photo examples of pruning problems, girdled trees and how to remedy them, the unfriendly relationship between grass and trees, mulching issues, and more. Approximately 35 home and property owners attended. The Q&A afterward was lively and helpful as well. Sponsored for the public at no charge by the Tree Board in partnership with NC Cooperative Extension.

HENDERSONVILLE TREE BOARD PROJECTS 2023 (ANNUAL REPORT)

2023 Highlights:  The Tree Board advises City Council on tree preservation and protection on new developments and public properties in addition to other mandates. As part of the City’s current strategic planning process, the Tree Board has participated in a group effort to examine and update sections of the City Code and regulations in regards to existing trees and proposed plantings. A Tree Canopy Survey, requested last year by the board, was conducted in 2023 in order to have concrete numbers as the City continues to grow.  Methods that avoid loss of tree canopy and general loss of trees in the City’s Urban Forest coverage is something the Tree Board continues to address.  ͠     During the year, the popular Bee City USA program was reorganized, now being managed by City staff, with emphasis on maintenance and expansion of pollinator-friendly landscapes.  A new Pollinator Trail was mapped through the City and beyond.   ͠͠     The Tree Board organized other events and projects this year, which helped focus residents’ interest in trees.  ͠      The board’s long-time member and chair, Mac Brackett, announced his retirement, effective at the end of 2023.  Tree Board members and City staff honored his excellent service and leadership.

Sunday, November 5 – Greenspace Enhancement Projects Walkabout.  2-3:30 p.m. Mark Stierwalt, City Public Works Superintendent, led an exploration stroll along the projected Oklawaha Greenway extension into a greenspace area along Clear Creek being developed for public use. Already graced with two ponds teaming with wildlife, healthy trees, and pollinator-friendly meadows, the future public greenspace was introduced. 15 attendees on a fine autumn day bushwacked along streams and strolled through open fields with Mark, full of enthusiasm and interest.  Volunteer Ken Fitch recorded the event in photos.

October 1-14 – NeighborWoods planting projects.  9th Avenue West homeowners and residents in Henderson Village, Blue Ridge Villas, Park Place, and Druid Hills neighborhood participated by ordering free trees.  A total of 62 trees, including dogwoods, redbuds, sweetbay and saucer magnolias, serviceberry, crabapple, and red oak will be planted at those locations.  The trees will be planted in honor of Tree Board Chair Mac Brackett, who will retire Dec. 31.  (Due to extreme drought, this planting project did not take place.  The trees were over-wintered and will be planted in Spring 2024.)

Saturday, Sept. 30 – Flock to the Rock at Chimney Rock Park.  10 a.m. – 3 p.m. The City was invited to host a Bee City USA booth at this event.  The event, now in its 15^th year, focuses on birding, but also includes discussion of Monarch migration and other pollinator information, as CRP is an official monarch waystation.  The Symbolic Monarch Migration was going on in Henderson County schools during this same time period. Volunteers Patrice German, Friends of Bee City USA, and Jim Poe, Henderson County Beekeepers, manned the booth, which served about 110 attendees.

September – Monarch Migration Month.  A number of events were scheduled during the month to celebrate the monarch migration, including school programs sponsored by Bee City USA - Hendersonville. 

Mid-Aug.-Oct. 20 – Symbolic Monarch Migration. Bee City USA-Hendersonville invited local classrooms, youth organizations, and individual students to join this international educational program.  A dropbox was set up at Bullington Gardens by Friends of Bee City USA with paper butterflies for visiting children to color, resulting in 31 butterflies from City residents and 42 from elsewhere.  Sixty of those requested follow-up information on the “journey” of their butterflies to Mexico.  They were informed when their symbolic butterflies arrived in Mexico and will receive a note next spring when the butterflies return, sent by school children in Mexico.

Sunday, August 20 – Guided Tree Walk on Hendersonville’s Main Street.  2 p.m.  City Arborist Bill Leatherwood led a walk along Main Street to discuss how the various types of trees and shrubs are maintained and supported by his crew to a create stress-free environment for healthy plants.  About 15 attendees enjoyed the walk at no charge.  Leatherwood’s long-time assistant, Joe Weaver, came along too, several Tree Board members attended, and volunteer photographer Ken Fitch joined Mary Jo in taking photos along the way. 

July 1 – Bee City USA-Hendersonville, which is a subsidiary program of the Tree Board, was reorganized and moved from Bullington Gardens management to City management under the new Sustainability coordinator.

June – Pollinator Month.  Bee City USA-Hendersonville created/published an online calendar of educational events scheduled during Pollinator Month.  June 3, for example, was Pollinator Day at the Hendersonville Maple Street Farmer’s Market, garnering much interest from shoppers.  After learning about the different types of antennae and the insects each type belongs to, kids made antennae; they also planted sunflower seeds in pots to take home. The Farmer’s Market set up a Pollinator Passport hunt: kids got their “passport” checked off when they visited vendors selling goods made possible by pollinators.  Each completed passport resulted in a prize.

May 27-28 – Garden Jubilee.  This fun, annual event on a rainy weekend in downtown Hendersonville provided many visitors to the Bee City USA-Hendersonville tent. Where, as always, free seed packets were distributed, pollinator-friendly gardening info given, and handmade antennae-to-go distributed to anyone who wanted to wear them. Kids planted sunflower seed pots to take home. “Native Bees versus Honey Bees - We’re All In This Together” was presented by John Gleman of Green River Bee Company at the Visitor Center stage.

Friday, May 12 –  Arbor Day Celebration at Toms Park.  Michele Garashi-Ellick, new president of Four Seasons Rotary, Public Works staff members, members of Four Seasons Rotary, members of the Tree Board, and a few members of the public presented the annual program to celebrate Arbor Day.  Two stewartia trees were planted near the shuffleboard courts in a green area at the corner of Lily Pond Lane and W. Allen St.  About 15 people attended, Mayor Volk proclaimed May 12 as Arbor Day in Hendersonville, and Ms. Garashi-Ellick spoke on behalf of the Rotary Club, which organized the event.

Saturday. April 22 – Hendo Earth Day Fest event on Main Street.  Bee City USA-Hendersonville and Tree Board participated at this Earth Day festival organized by Hendersonville Environmental Sustainability Board.  Several hundred attendees learned about environmental programs and projects in and around the City.

Tuesday, March 21 – “Learn More about the NC Urban Forest Council.”  5 p.m., Henderson County Public Library auditorium, Washington St..  A public educational program at no charge.  Mark Foster, arborist for the City of Asheville and former chair of the NC Urban Forest Council, spoke about the mission, purpose, and services of the state’s Council. About 20 people attended and contributed to the discussion.  A Tree Board member welcomed all and presented the speaker, volunteer Ken Fitch took photos, and other volunteers helped sign people in.  Tree Board brochures were made available.

Sunday, March 5 – A Guided Walk Along an Award-Winning Stream Restoration Project. 2 p.m.  Mike Huffman, City Stormwater Division Manager, conducted a walkabout on the Allen Branch streambank restoration project (next to the US Post Office Annex, 90 Lakewood Rd).  17 people attended who were interested in the project and how it was accomplished.  They were also interested in the work of the Tree Board and several took brochures while others signed up as potential volunteers.  At least 2 people expressed interest in becoming a member of the Tree Board. 

Winter 2023 -- Yarn-Bombing Project at the Train Depot.  During the winter months, seven trees near the Historic Train Depot on Maple St. were wrapped in decorative, colorful yarn by the STEAP organization (and removed in spring when the trees began to bloom).  This tree-centric art installation was approved by the Tree Board and appreciated by many who passed by.

Hendersonville Tree Board meets monthly at the City Operations Center, 305 Williams St., at 2 p.m. on the third Tuesday.  The public is invited to attend.

HENDERSONVILLE TREE BOARD PROJECTS 2022 (ANNUAL REPORT)

With a renewed economic up-tick during 2022, housing developments were a frequent topic of discussion at Hendersonville Tree Board meetings. The Tree Board advises City Council on tree preservation and protection on new developments, and because of the number of new developments presented during the year, the Tree Board decided to examine and update sections of the City Code and regulations in regards to existing trees and proposed plantings. By the end of the year, a grant request was proposed to help fund a Tree Canopy Survey in order to have concrete numbers as the City continues to grow. Loss of tree canopy and general loss of trees in the City’s Urban Forest coverage appears to be significant – something the Tree Board wants to address. Along with the popular Bee City USA programs, the Tree Board organized other events and projects this year, which helped focus residents’ interest in trees.

Winter 2022-23 -- Yarn-Bombing Project. During four winter months, seven trees near the Historic Train Depot on Maple St. were wrapped in decorative, colorful yarn by the STEAP organization. This art installation was approved by the Tree Board.

Fall NeighborWoods projects -- Several NeighborWoods projects were successfully completed this fall: Druid Hills (40 trees), Wolf Chase (16 trees), Blue Ridge Villas (15 trees), Oklawaha Village (13 trees). Most participants planted their own trees, but for the large job in Druid Hills students in West Henderson HS Key Club were lined up to help. Tree Board member Mary Davis procured the volunteers. In all, 84 trees were added to our City’s tree canopy. Through the NeighborWoods program, the Tree Board supplies free saplings to property owners who have signed up for the program, promising to plant and maintain their trees for long-term successful growth.

October 20 – Film Screening -- “My Garden of 1,000 Bees.” Thomas Auditorium, Blue Ridge Community College. Presented by Hendersonville Bee City partnering with BRCC this outstanding documentary film by exceptional wildlife filmmaker Martin Dohrn was enjoyed by approx. 145 attendees. Phyllis Stiles, founder of Bee City USA, introduced the film. Brannon Basham and Jill Jacobs of Spriggly’s Beescaping fielded the Q&A session afterward. Carolina Bee Farm provided a honey-tasting and SkyTop Orchard provided apple cider. Conserving Carolina, Henderson County Beekeepers, Spriggly’s Beescaping, and Bee City USA Hendersonville provided information tables. Door prizes of native plants were doled out.

October 8 – Native Tree Walk Along the Oklawaha Greenway. Co-sponsored by Hendersonville Tree Board and Friends of the Oklawaha Greenway. Tree Board member Mark Madsen led the walk and board member Glenn Lange distributed Tree Board brochures. Several of the 15-18 attendees indicated interest in the NeighborWoods program.

Mid-Sept.-Oct. 7 – Symbolic Monarch Migration. Bee City USA Hendersonville invited local classrooms, youth organizations, and individual students to join this international program. Seventeen participated.

Sept. 22 – “A Monarch’s Migration” program. Bullington Gardens. Estela Romero, monarch educator and journalist who works in monarch overwintering sanctuaries near her home in Angangueo, Michoacán, Mexico, and Kim Bailey, local educator and farmer/owner of Milkweed Meadows Farm in Fruitland, NC, present up-close and personal views of the monarch’s remarkable life cycle and epic migration to a sold-out crowd. Organized through Bee City USA Hendersonville.

Sept. 2-5 – North Carolina Apple Festival. Main Street, Hendersonville. Bee City USA Hendersonville shared a booth with Cooperative Extension Service and Henderson County Beekeepers. One volunteer estimated attendance at the booth at 140-ish people per hour, even though Sunday was rained out entirely.

August 27 – Bee Bold Festival. Bold Rock Cidery, Mills River. Hendersonville Bee City USA had a booth to distribute information … this well-attended event celebrated bees and pollinators that help make apples for Bold Rock Cidery cider.

June – Hendersonville Pollinator Month. Many events by local organizations were presented during the month to educate and celebrate pollinators. The Laurel of Asheville magazine ran a special article. Activities were wide-ranging and well attended. For example, attendance at Sideways Farm and Brewery Sunday Brunch Market on June 5 was “huge,” according to Hendersonville Bee City USA coordinator Patrice German.

May 27-28 – Garden Jubilee on Main St. A booth was provided for educational purposes during this popular annual event. Pollinator Alley was a highlighted section related to Bee City USA and other vendors. 400 free seed packets of pollinator-friendly flowers were distributed at the Hendersonville Bee City USA booth.

May 6 – Arbor Day Celebration. A healthy red maple sapling was planted along the Oklawaha Greenway near 7th Ave. parking area. Gene Carr, president of Four Seasons Rotary and Rotary member Tiffany Ervin were joined by Public Works staff Kevin Rhodes and Mark Stierwalt and NC Forest Ranger Kristin Kelly, several Tree Board members, and Mayor Volk. The Arbor Day proclamation was read, Gene Carr spoke, Kelly honored the City with noteworthy praise, and the tree was planted in lovely soil, just before the rain scattered the crowd. News coverage was good, including a WLOS reporter. The moment was captured on the 6 o‘clock news that evening.

April 20 – 30 Trees Planted along Oklawaha Greenway near its intersection with 7th Ave. E.

April 9 – Dedication of Garden Memorializing Wes Burlingame at the kiosk on Oklawaha Greenway at intersection with Patton Park connector. This event honored and memorialized former long-time Tree Board member who died in late 2019. The Burlingame Native Plants Garden at the kiosk is planted in his memory.

March 30 – NeighborWoods planting at Wolf Chase. Nineteen trees were delivered to the Property Owner’s Association at Wolf Chase development for planting throughout the development.

March 10 -- Educational Program – Bees and Trees: What Pollinator-Friendly Trees and Shrubs to Plant This Spring and Why. Henderson County Library auditorium. Phyllis Stiles, founder, Bee City USA, described the need for more trees in urban environments and which pollinator-friendly ones are best to plant this spring, not only to support wildlife but to help alleviate the threats of global warming. About 50 people, with questions and interest, attended this visually informative program open to the public at no charge.

Feb. 6. -- Guided Tree Walk Along the Avenues. On a chilly, windy day, Mark Madsen led a walk along West 3rd and 4th Avenues with a resolute, enthusiastic group of attendees to learn about our urban trees in winter. Starting at the Henderson Co. Schools Admin. Building on 4th Ave. W, the walk focused on the majestic trees in this historic neighborhood of older homes and landscaping. Invasive ivy, privet, and others were pointed out as well as both good and bad pruning practices seen along the way.

HENDERSONVILLE TREE BOARD PROJECTS 2021 (ANNUAL REPORT)

During 2021, Covid-19 restrictions still lingered and affected how and when many Tree Board projects and programs could be held.  Thus, the normally-scheduled indoor educational program held at the Library during winter was cancelled.  Yet, many outdoor events, including Garden Jubilee, were able to be continued.  The Tree Board’s NeighborWoods tree-planting projects continue to be popular in neighborhoods throughout the city.  And the handsome Bee Mural was completed, now available for daily viewing in the Azalea parking lot, corner of Third Ave. E. and King St.

Thurs., October 26 – Arbor Day Ceremony, Sullivan Park, Martin Circle.   About 15 people attended this event on a sunny, cool day to plant a colorful, good-looking autumn blaze maple in the Green Meadows neighborhood.  Four Seasons Rotary Club has organized the Arbor Day ceremony, assisted by the City and Tree Board, for about 20 years.  Several members of the organization attended along with Tree Board members. Gene Carr, president of Four Seasons Rotary, welcomed all, Mayor Barbara Volk read a proclamation declaring October 26 as Arbor Day in Hendersonville, and Henderson County Ranger, NC Forest Service, Kristen Kelley addressed the group.  Public Works Director Tom Wooten and staff members had prepared the site, and then the tree was officially and properly planted. As the group dispersed, a surprise light shower further settled the tree into its well-placed home.

Sat., October 16 – NeighborWoods Project in Druid Hills. About a dozen residents in the historic neighborhood along Higate Rd. planted more than 20 healthy, new trees in their yards.  Tree Board members Glenn Lange and Andy Crawford organized this event. Invaluable volunteer students in Hendersonville High Key Club assisted with digging and heavy lifting.  Trees were supplied free of charge through the Tree Board’s NeighborWoods project.  The City delivered the trees and mulch onsite.

Sat., October 9 – NeighborWoods Project at 9^th Avenue W/N. Oak St.  About 9 residents of this older neighborhood planted 13 new trees to replace older, mature ones.  The healthy saplings and mulch were supplied and delivered at no charge through the Tree Board’s NeighborWoods project.  Tree Board member Debbie Roundtree organized the project for this neighborhood group.

Sun., Sept. 26 – A Guided Walk: Learn About Trees on Main Street.  Bill Leatherwood, Consulting Arborist for City of Hendersonville, led a group of interested attendees, telling about the types of trees planted along Historic Main Street and describing behind-the-scene practices and care that keep the downtown arboretum looking good.

June – Pollinator Month.  Almost a dozen educational activities were held across the county during the month.  All activities were well attended.

May 28-30 – Henderson County Garden Jubilee.  Hendersonville Bee City USA and Tree Board shared a booth during this popular annual event on Main St, providing educational materials and a pollinator demonstration.  Free seed packets of pollinator-friendly flowers were distributed.

Sat., April 17 --NeighborWoods Project at Green Meadows.  12 residents in this historic neighborhood off 7^th Ave. E. received a total of 22 trees, which now beautify their homes and the neighborhood.  A dozen students, members of the Interact Club at Hendersonville High, volunteered to help with planting.  City staff delivered the large saplings along with mulch for the planting.

Recognition of 30^th year of City of Hendersonville as a Tree City USA.  A brief ceremony was planned during this NeighborWoods event to display the 30-Year plaque and 30-Year stickers, and the large new Tree City USA flag presented to the City by the Arbor Day Foundation in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters.

March 29 thru early May – Bee Mural Project completed.  After an over-winter break, painting of the mural resumed in late March.  A number of on-site activities were hosted during the month, including Bees and Blooms on Saturdays, vendors, and educational displays. The mural is on the exterior wall of Hands On! Children’s Museum in the Azalea parking lot, corner of Third Ave. East and King St., downtown Hendersonville.

May 1-2 – Community Painting Days at the Bee Mural. This popular event allowed citizens to “paint a petal” on the mural.  Volunteers assisted, and paint and brushes were supplied.  From very young to older adults, a wide range of participants put their mark on the mural.

May 13 – Dedication of the Bee and Pollinator Mural and Pollinator Garden.   With officials from Hendersonville City, City staff, volunteers, Joseph Knight, director of Hands On! Children’s Museum, and a speech by the Mayor of Hendersonville, the mural was officially dedicated.  Muralist Matt Willey spoke as well as Kim Bailey, coordinator of the mural project. Pollinator-friendly landscaping in the parking areas and underneath the mural was in-place.

HENDERSONVILLE TREE BOARD CONTINUES TO SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY’S LOVE OF TREES,
ESPECIALLY DURING THE 2020 PANDEMIC (ANNUAL REPORT)

Bee Mural Project. October 26 through Dec. 3 -- Creation of the Bee Mural. The Bee Mural Initiative began two years ago when we learned about muralist Matt Willey, who lived in Asheville at the time, and his project to paint 50,000 bees around the world to promote and educate about the importance of bees and pollinators. Under the auspices of the City’s Bee City USA program, the Tree Board was designated as the coordinator of the initiative to bring Willey to Hendersonville to paint a mural. Partnering with the City’s Sustainability Board, efforts were made to find a wall for the mural, promote fundraising, and create community involvement. All the effort culminated with Willey’s arrival in town and the process of painting the mural began. The Hands On! Children’s Museum stepped up to partner by providing the exterior wall of their building for the artwork. It is viewable from the City’s Azalea parking lot on Third Ave. E. between Main St. and King St. A grant was received to help plant a pollinator garden near the mural … and the initial planting of the beds began. The “hibernation” of the project to over-winter until spring was announced in early December. The muralist will return to complete the project in late March or April 2021.

Tree Plantings. NeighborWoods Tree Planting Project at Cambridge West. 13 trees, including serviceberry, magnolias, dogwood, and sweet gum, were delivered to this small condominium complex on Fourth Avenue West. The groundskeeper planted and will maintain the healthy new trees.

NeighborWoods Tree Planting Project at Oklawaha Village. A successful distribution of 34 trees to residents of the new Oklawaha Village on North Main Street was held, along with a training-session tree planting, which all participants attended. Tree Board member Debbie Roundtree, in cooperation with Hendersonville Housing Assistance, worked with residents to deliver the trees. Following construction, landscaping was rather bare, so families were happy to accept trees through the Tree Board's NeighborWoods program to improve their new neighborhood. 

NeighborWoods Tree Planting Project at Laurelwood. In this well-established condominium complex on 6th Avenue West, older trees were aging out, so 10 young trees were chosen by residents to help keep the canopy healthy. Participants in the NeighborWoods program promise to care for and maintain the trees they receive. The trees are provided at no charge and are chosen from a list of best-trees for the urban forest.

Pollinator Month Activities. June – Pollinator Month. Kim Bailey., coordinator for Pollinator Month activities, worked with businesses and other locations to create a calendar of events during this pandemic year’s reframed Pollinator Month scenario. More than a dozen activities were hosted – both in-person events, such as self-guided tours of gardens and natural area locations, and online/virtual events, such as a virtual movie showing of “The Pollinators,” online classes by Gardens that Matter, and an online sale of pollinator-friendly plants with curbside pickup.

Garden Jubilee. May 22-25. A perennial favorite annual event sponsored by Hendersonville TDA, the Garden Jubilee format was changed this year due to COVID-19 restrictions. Hendersonville’s Bee City USA program participated by hosting an information tent located at Sideways Farm and Brewery in Etowah, one of the many Garden Jubilee sites scattered around the county. A pollinator-friendly plant sale, on location and online, was held to raise money for the Bee Mural project. News coverage and public attendance and participation resulted in more than $5,000 raised.

Educational Program. Monday, Feb. 24 – Public program, Henderson Co. Library, 6 p.m., “Micro Climate Change and the Urban Forest.” Eric Bradford, Director, Asheville GreenWorks, was the speaker and presenter of an effective Powerpoint program. About 15 attendees were interested, engaged, and asked questions. This in-person event occurred before Covid-19 virus hit America.

Tree Board Member Wes Burlingame Memorialized. Wes Burlingame served on the Tree Board from 2013 until 2018 as a valuable, active member. He oversaw numerous planting events, including the planting of 34 trees at Bruce Drysdale Elementary, 84 trees at Bearcat Loop, and assisted many, many participants in the City’s NeighborWoods program by helping them pick proper trees and how to plant and maintain trees for healthy growth. He owned Laurel Springs Nursery, where he grew specialty and native plants for 30 years. Wes died September 2019.

Unpredictable-Tree Contest. January 15-31 – Contest to guess when the Star Magnolia on Main St. will bloom. This fun contest, open to the public, ended before it began – but accomplished its goal! Due to media attention to this contest, the public was made colorfully aware of one of the beautiful trees along Main Street, and, thus, to the small urban forest that graces downtown Hendersonville. However, due to unseasonably warm weather, the Star Magnolia had opened several blossoms before the Jan. 15 start of the contest. For a few weeks in early 2020, the handsome Star Magnolia at the corner of Third Ave. W. and Main St. was a “star.”

Winter Educational Program: Thurs., March 14, 2019 – Trees, Trees, and More: NC Arboretum in Our Backyard. 6-7:30 p.m., Henderson County Library Auditorium, 201 N. Washington St. Drake Fowler, Chief Operations Officer at NC Arboretum and certified landscape architect reported on how the NC Arboretum, a nearby resource, can be used to help us grow our urban forest in every neighborhood. Nearly 50 interested attendees with lots of Q&A.

Tree Planting: Fri., May 3 – Arbor Day Celebration. Hendersonville Elementary, 12 noon. The Arbor Day event was well attended … students at Hendersonville Elementary participated and sang a song about trees and helped plant the tree (red oak) in memory of Dr. Jim Volk. Four Seasons Rotary Club members Chris Johnson and Corey Prince organized the event and did a great job. Mark Madsen, Tree Board member, aptly educated the students about how to plant a tree. NC Forest Service rep presented City with Tree City Award and also a Growth Award. Mayor proclaimed it Arbor Day in Hendersonville. Tiffany Ervin, with Four Seasons Rotary, officiated. Weather cooperated.

Tree Planting. Sat., May 4 – NeighborWoods Project at Green Meadows Community. 10 a.m. Distribution of a dozen trees and tree-planting demo at 807 Robinson Terrace. All participants were there to see the demonstration and collect their trees. Definite interest in more trees for planting in the fall.

Education and Community Participation. May 24-26 – Garden Jubilee. Downtown Hendersonville. Kim Bailey and Alesia Greismyer, with Hendersonville Environmental Sustainability Board, helped man the table set up at the event. Free seed packets of pollinator plants charmed in many visitors to the table where information was available about pollinators, plants, and the City's Bee City USA designation.

Pollinators. June – Pollinator Month. Tree Board helped organize 14 events held during entire month, including Bee-licious tasting of honey, mead, and more; invasive plant removal project; Henderson County Tailgate Market focus on flowers and pollinators; Hands-On Children's Museum program; guided walks – in a nature preserve, in Holmes Educational State Forest, at Bullington Gardens, Flat Rock Park, Connemara; a beekeeping instructional program; on-line educational series; and more.

Educational Program. Sun., July 14 – Shady Garden Tours. At 2 and 4 p.m. A popular private urban garden tour to learn and see how you can have flowers and still keep your trees. About 50 people attended. All were enthusiastic and curious, asked many questions about plants and trees, took notes, left feeling enriched. Created increased interest in Tree Board and its mission and projects including Heritage Tree Project. Garden host was professional, knowledgeable, and entertaining. Tree Board volunteer coordinator fielded many phone calls and gave instructions about parking, location, etc.

Pollinators. Sat., August 17 – Honey Bee Day. Inspired by Tree Board volunteer Kim Bailey, several local events were planned around this date including the Bee Bold Pollinator Festival at Bold Rock Cidery in Mills River, held 1-6 p.m. to emphasize the importance of pollinators to the apple cider business and to educate about the world-wide decline in pollinator population. A raving success, along with other events in Hendersonville. These events kicked off the funding campaign to bring a Bee Mural to downtown Hendersonville, to be painted by the "Bring the Hive Alive" project.

Pollinators. September – Monarch Month. Numerous events were coordinated through Tree Board for this month-long activity. Programs were hosted by Pisgah Wildlife Center, NC Arboretum, Henderson County Bee Keepers, Bullington Gardens, and more.

Educational Program. Sun., Sept. 15 – Learn About Trees on Main Street. 2:30 p.m. Bill Leatherwood, Consulting Arborist for City of Hendersonville, told about the types of trees planted along Historic Main Street and described behind-the-scene practices and care that keep the downtown arboretum looking good. Attendees were quite involved, asking lots of questions during the entire 90-minute walk. Participants review: "thankful for the opportunity to participate."

Educational Program. Sat., Oct. 5 – Learn About Trees Along the Oklawaha Greenway. 10 a.m. Tree Board co-sponsored this event with Friends of the Oklawaha Greenway. FOOG coordinator Suzanne Hale said: Thank you so much for co-sponsoring the Tree Walk. Tree Board volunteer Mark Madsen did a great job leading the walk. About 25 people showed up. The group had a lot of good questions and Mark had a lot of good answers. A very successful morning.

Tree Plantings. Sat., Oct. 19 –- NeighborWoods Project at Green Meadows Community. 10 a.m. Tree Board distributed eight free trees to residents who requested them through this program. Tree-planting demo was included by Tree Board volunteer. Green Meadows is an established neighborhood in need of more trees to provide aesthetic enjoyment and a sense of comfort.

Tree Plantings. Sat., Oct. 19 – NeighborWoods Project at Oklawaha Village. 12 noon. Tree Board distributed eleven trees with a tree-planting demo in this recently-built middle-income neighborhood. Land was cleared for new construction. Delivery of free trees to interested homeowners was very welcomed.

2018 PROJECTS PAY OFF ….
CITY RECOGNIZED WITH TREE CITY OF THE YEAR IN NORTH CAROLINA

Late in 2018, the North Carolina Forest Service designated the Hendersonville community as Tree City of the Year in North Carolina. Because of citizen support and an active Tree Board, made up of volunteers appointed by the City, Hendersonville is proud of its tree-oriented projects and programs.

Oct. 14 – NeighborWoods Tree Planting in Towne Forest on Blythe St. 33 trees chosen by Towne Forest residents were distributed for planting to participants during the neighborhood's annual meeting. Trees were provided at no charge through the Tree Board's NeighborWoods project. This project helps sustain our urban tree cover.

Late Sept – Monarch Migration Celebration. Locally, programs were presented in cooperation with Hendersonville's Bee City USA program and other organizations. On Sept. 24 "A Monarch's Journey" at Bullington Gardens sold out and Sept. 27 "Flight of the Butterflies" film at Blue Ridge Community College was well attended. A monarch conservation mini-symposium at NC Arboretum and film screening on Sept. 22 were at capacity. Several public school classrooms participated with presentations and student projects during the week, and Hands On! Children's Museum on Main Street Hendersonville held a symbolic migration event. Monarchs are vitally important to pollination and tree health.

July 22 – "See How It's Done: Shade Garden Tour." This private garden that is mostly shade with bright sunny spots was the site of guided tours to see how this Certified Backyard Habitat and two-time landscape-award-winning garden has been arranged and constructed for pleasure, beauty, and preservation of trees. The event attracted both local and regional attendees in spite of severe-weather predictions. The rain stopped to accommodate the 12 visitors. We are hoping to repeat this event in 2019.