Guided Walk Along the Greenway to Learn About Native Trees
Saturday, October 8, 2022
Which are local native trees? Sycamore? Poplar? Black Walnut? And what is the special value of native trees to our landscape and environment? On Saturday, October 8, at 10:30 a.m., a guided walk along the Oklawaha Greenway will focus on identifying and understanding trees, especially those native to the area. The program is open to the public at no charge. Meet at Patton Park in the circular pavilion near the basketball courts. The walk will take about 90 minutes, returning to Patton Park. The hike will be held rain or shine. The program is co-sponsored by Hendersonville Tree Board and Friends of the Oklawaha Greenway.
Kristen Kelley, NC Forest Ranger for Henderson County will lead the walk. The tour will offer a look at the types of trees – especially native trees -- in the wetland forest along Mud Creek and the greenway.
Oklawaha Greenway is a three-mile-long paved walkway meandering through meadows, wetlands, and forests, and linking Jackson Park, PattonPark, and Berkley Park. The walk will be along a portion of this greenway.
“The Oklawaha Greenway is popular for recreation, transportation, and family outings,” said Suzanne Hale, a member of the Friends group. “It provides an excellent outdoor classroom to learn to identify native trees and understand their value to our ecosystem.”
Hendersonville Tree Board is commissioned by the City of Hendersonville to provide advice on the selection and care of trees and shrubs for residents and developers. The Tree Board also educates concerning the economic, aesthetic, and environmental benefits of trees and shrubs for the community. The Arbor Day Foundation has recognized Hendersonville as a Tree City USA for 30 years because of its high level of tree care. In addition, the city became a Bee City USA affiliate in 2015.
Friends of the Oklawaha Greenway is a group of people who see beauty and multiple values in the greenway and who want to use it as a tool to learn more about our natural environment.
For more information about the guided walk along the Oklawaha Greenway contact Suzanne Hale, Friends of Oklawaha Greenway, at info@friendsofoklawaha.org.