Contact: Kimberly Osborne (304) 766-3363 kosborne@wvstateu.edu
RAVENSWOOD, W.Va. – West Virginia State University (WVSU) Extension Service and the City of Ravenswood have found a way to memorialize community members’ loved ones while beautifying the town with the Ravenswood Memorial Tree Program.
Eight trees were added to the Jackson County community’s landscape last week, bringing the program’s total to 22 trees planted.
“We wanted a project that would bring the entire community together in a way that would not only add beauty to the town but also provide a way to commemorate loved ones,” WVSU Extension Agent Brad Cochran said.
Founded in 2013, the Ravenswood Memorial Tree Program adds functional shade and aesthetic beauty to the community. Each tree is marked with a plaque celebrating the memory of a loved one.
“The trees become a living memorial to those whose families choose to honor them,” Cochran said.
A $300 donation includes delivery, planting and mulching of the tree; a “tree gator” watering bag; basic maintenance and an engraved plaque. Available tree species include Red Oak, Pin Oak, Red or Sugar Maple, Flowering Dogwood and Weeping Cherry.
Partners recently held a community fundraiser for the program, which made last week’s planting possible. Two city parks, Riverfront Park and Veterans Memorial Park, have been designated for the program. The first phase of work at Riverfront is complete and a second phase will occur upon completion of other park tree improvements. Plans are already underway for a spring planting at Veterans Memorial Park.
“Each year this program grows, and we are excited to focus our spring effort on planting dogwoods in Veterans Memorial Park,” said Program Director Katrena Ramsey.
Volunteer opportunities and applications are available year-round by contacting the Ravenswood Memorial Tree Program office at (304) 532-5268.
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