Tree City Status Celebrated

Elkins Tree Board notes national recognition

ELKINS -- For the 18th year, Elkins has been honored with Tree City status from the National Arbor Day Foundation, and the Elkins Tree Board celebrated this recognition at the annual Arbor Day celebration at the Phil Gainer Center with representatives of Mon Power's Arbor Day Tree Line USA program.

The representatives, along with Elkins Tree Board volunteers, planted two oak trees in honor of the nation's 250th anniversary. In 2004, Congress designated the oak as America's official tree.

During an earlier event, tree board members planted memorial trees at Elkins City Park and recognized the generosity of Elkins resident Joy Shepherd. With her donations to the tree board, eight trees were planted at City Park In memory of Bill King, Anita Talbott, Allen Talbott, Bob Dunkerly, David Hensley, Steve Ross, Julia Cassells and Leigh Fletcher. A memorial plaque will be installed at City Park later this year. Sue Severino and "Doodle" Ross also contributed to the memorial trees.

Representatives with Mon Power’s Tree Line USA program assisted with planting two oak trees at the Phil Gainer Center. Holding the banner are Todd Riggleman, left, and Jeremy Fisher, right. ETB members also helped with the ceremony. From left, Nanci Bross-Fregonara, Linda Silva, Linda Burke and Marilynn Cuonzo.

Representatives with Mon Power's Tree Line USA program assisted with planting two oak trees at the Phil Gainer Center. Holding the banner are Todd Riggleman, left, and Jeremy Fisher, right. ETB members also helped with the ceremony. From left, Nanci Bross-Fregonara, Linda Silva, Linda Burke and Marilynn Cuonzo.

"We are so grateful for Ms. Shepherd's generosity," said Marilynn Cuonzo, President of the Elkins Tree Board. "Planting trees is such a meaningful way to honor those whose lives meant so much to us."

During the ceremony, Shepherd explained how the neighborhood by City Park had lost so many in the past few years and quoted Edna St. Vincent Milay: "Where you were, there is a hole in the world."

Other community Arbor Day plantings include two trees at Glendale Park thanks to local Kroger store employees. "Each year Elkins' Arbor Day grows in participation," said Cuonzo. "It all helps in growing Elkins greener."

Tree board member Iris Allen speaks with an Earth Day participant.

In the past year, the tree board has been responsible for planting more than 20 trees in Elkins' city parks as well as maintaining the downtown streetscape. "This would not be possible without Community Tree grants from the West Virginia Division of Forestry, donors and volunteers.," said Cuonzo.

The 2025 Tree City USA distinction honors the City of Elkins and the Tree Board for its commitment to plant, grow, and maintain trees to benefit its community. The ETB is also committed to educational outreach and hosts interpreted tree walks and lectures throughout the year. The ETB also produced a downtown tree walk guide which provides information on the different tree species in the streetscape and is available online.

Two young Earth Day participants were happy with their free trees.

Two young Earth Day participants were happy with their free trees.

"We all have a role to play in shaping our future and tree champions like Elkins are leading the way," said Michelle Saulnier, Vice President of Programs at the Arbor Day Foundation. "Trees are critical infrastructure, building resiliency and fostering good health in our nation's cities. We're proud Elkins is among the Arbor Day Foundation's growing network of communities dedicated to creating positive impact through trees." 

To earn Tree City USA recognition, a city must uphold four core standards including maintaining a tree board or department, having a community tree ordinance, spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry, and participating in an Arbor Day celebration. Additionally, the Elkins Tree Board is one of the top West Virginia towns in number of reported tree board volunteer hours and trees plantings.

The nation’s tree, an oak, was planted at the Gainer Center in honor of the 250th anniversary.

The nation's tree, an oak, was planted at the Gainer Center in honor of the 250th anniversary.

The Tree Board is grateful to have the assistance of The Mountain School students during workdays at the Kump House Tree Nursery and most recently Ascend members who helped clean the tree grates downtown for Great Grate Day.

"Maintaining a healthy urban forest in Elkins, whether trees in neighborhoods, city parks or downtown, takes a great deal of muscle power and financial support," said Cuonzo. "It takes many hands to grow Elkins greener."

For more information about the Tree Board visit www. cityofelkinswv.gov/city-government/boards-commissions/tree-board/.

The Elkins Kroger store donated two trees at Glendale Park recently which were planted by staff and friends.

The Elkins Kroger store donated two trees at Glendale Park recently which were planted by staff and friends.