CITY’S MUNICIPAL BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION & KANAWHA GARDEN CLUB TO HOST EVENTS CELEBRATING THE CITY’S 1,000 TREE INITIATIVE, THE APPALACHIAN SPRING PROJECT
(Charleston, W.Va.) – The City of Charleston’s Municipal Beautification Commission, in partnership with the Kanawha Garden Club, will host nearly a month of FREE community events celebrating The Appalachian Spring Project (TASP) — Charleston’s initiative to plant 1,000 trees and strengthen the city’s tree canopy.
The event series will begin on Thursday, April 9 and continue through Thursday, April 30, offering opportunities for residents of all ages to learn about trees, explore Charleston’s green spaces, and participate in activities that highlight the environmental, cultural, and community benefits of urban trees.
“The Appalachian Spring Project reflects Charleston’s commitment to growing a healthier, greener community for future generations,” said Anna Forbes, Chair of the City of Charleston Municipal Beautification Commission. “Trees do more than beautify our city—they strengthen neighborhoods, improve environmental health, drive economic development, and create spaces where people want to live and gather.”
“Kanawha Garden Club couldn’t be more excited to support The Appalachian Spring Project. Planting a thousand trees is an investment in our city’s future — in cleaner air, more beautiful neighborhoods, and a greener Charleston for generations to come. We’re honored to be part of this effort,” said Anne Silbernagel, President of the Kanawha Garden Club.
The celebration will feature guided walks, hands-on art activities, a variety of educational programs, and an Arbor Day tree planting ceremony. Questions related to this educational event series events can be directed to the Kanawha Garden Club at: kanawhagc@gmail.com.
EVENT LISTING (also included as a link)
Thursday, April 9
Tree Talk
Led by Chris Higgins, City Arborist, Spring Hill Cemetery Park
6 – 7 p.m. | Kanawha County Public Library (Main)
An overview of trees at the arboretum suited for small gardens.
Wednesday, April 22 (Earth Day)
Tiny Tots Tree Program
For ages 18–36 months, led by librarian Mary Cravens
Kanawha County Public Library (Main – 4th Floor)
A program featuring books, songs, and interactive activities.
Thursday, April 23
Arboretum Walk
Led by Chris Higgins, City Arborist, Spring Hill Cemetery Park
6:30 p.m. (Meet at the mausoleum) | Spring Hill Cemetery Park
A guided walk through the Old Circle.
Friday, April 24 (Arbor Day)
Arbor Day Tree Planting Ceremony
With Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin, Municipal Beautification Commission, the Green Team, and the WV Division of Forestry
10:00 a.m. | Piedmont Elementary School (Celebration Station)
Spring Blossom Watercolor Class (Adults)
Led by Beth Loflin, local artist and landscape architect
Kanawha County Public Library (Main / Room 311B)
10 a.m. – Noon
Pre-registration required at www.kcpls.org
Saturday, April 25
Flowering Tree Art Project
Led by Jeff Pierson, Director of the Office of Public Art
1 – 3 p.m. | Capitol Market (Center Court)
Greenhouse Craft Project for Kids
Led by the Kanawha Garden Club
1 – 3 p.m. | Capitol Market (Center Court)
Tree Cookie Painting & Educational Station
Led by WVU Extension educators
1 – 3 p.m. | Capitol Market (Center Court)
Monday, April 27
Urban Forests: Today and Tomorrow
Lecture by Mark Buscaino, Senior Advisor, Casey Trees
5 p.m. | Clay Center Planetarium
Thursday, April 30
Let’s Learn About Trees
Led by Kelsey Johnson, technology librarian
4 – 5 p.m. | Kanawha County Public Library (Main)
A family-friendly program exploring the role of trees through stories and activities.
All events are free and open to the public.
The Appalachian Spring Project is a citywide effort focused on expanding tree canopy, beautifying neighborhoods, fostering conservation goals and business development, and investing in Charleston’s long-term environmental health.
Kanawha Garden Club is a nonprofit organization in Charleston, West Virginia, founded in 1921. It is a member of The Garden Club of America. For more than a century, the club has promoted horticulture education, conservation, and civic beautification through community projects throughout Charleston.
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