A Letter from the President of ReLeaf

As we wrap up 2009 and move into a new decade, we reflect on what we have accomplished in 2009 and look ahead to what is to come. We have a lot to look forward to in 2010 since it marks our 20th Anniversary, which we look forward to celebrating with you!

This past year was a success with new and renewing members. We are thankful to all of our members who continue to help our urban forest grow. If you have not yet joined or renewed, please consider a donation. ReLeaf now accepts online donations through Paypal on our website, http://releaf.us/docs/donate.html. Please save a tree and donate online!

In April 2009 ReLeaf held another successful Arbor Day event at Eastern Elementary School. During this event we recognized the four winners of the "Urban Forest in Greenville" essay contest, Sh'Niyah Maye and Nathan Pham from Eastern Elementary, and Storm Davis and Sam O'Rourke from St. Peter's Catholic School. In keeping with our annual tradition, we planted another canopy tree on the front lawn of the school. We look forward to the day the students that participated in the event can share the story of that tree planting with their own children.

On October 20th, 2009, ReLeaf supporters enjoyed an evening of friendship, food, and drink, accompanied by history, music, and sustainable tourism during the 2009 Wine and Cheese Fund Raiser. The event was held at the historic "Moye House" (aka "The Music House") located at 408 West Fifth Street. Throughout the evening John O’Brien, the home's owner, treated guests to piano performances and stories of the home’s 108 year history. The event also included a presentation by City of Greenville's Building and Grounds Superintendent, Kevin Heifferon, on the upcoming tree planting projects that the City will oversee on behalf of ReLeaf. As a grand finale, Dr. Pat Long, Director of ECU's Department of Sustainable Tourism, shared his expertise in the growing field of sustainable tourism and discussed the opportunities to develop this economy on local and national levels.

We owe the success of the event to Jon Shaw, event chair, and Janet Smith, membership chair, as well as the entire ReLeaf Board who provided wine, homemade hors d'oeuvres, and floral arrangements. That evening the members appointed five returning board members to serve a 3-year term. They are Peggy Crooks, Nell Garner, Cori Hines, Jon Shaw, and Myriah Shewchuk.

In November ReLeaf was also invited by the City of Greenville to participate in the "Mayor's Challenge". Greenville Mayor Pat Dunn put her money, or rather "her tree", on the right team when she and Tulsa Mayor Kathy Taylor placed a "bet" on the 2008 Conference USA Championship. After a 27-24 Pirate victory over the Golden Hurricanes, the City of Tulsa graciously gifted the Redbud Tree to the City of Greenville to commemorate the Pirate's Conference USA Title. On November 9th, 2009, the Tree was installed on the north side of City Hall during a ceremony hosted by the City of Greenville, ReLeaf, and East Carolina University. Mayor Pat Dunn, ECU Football Coach Skip Holtz, and ReLeaf President Myriah Shewchuk gave presentations before joining forces to help the Redbud put down roots in Greenville's Uptown District.

We are also pleased to announce $20,000 in tree planting for the 2009-10 season, which equals 170 new canopy trees throughout the City. Keep your eyes open for projects that have been completed or will be installed this winter including:

  •  Uptown Greenville (Greene Street, Reade Circle and Dickinson Avenue – 40 trees)
  •  Arlington Boulevard (30 trees)
  •  Tobacco Road and Shiloh Drive (30 trees)
  •  East Third Street (15 trees)
  •  Line Avenue (40 trees)
  •  East Fifth Street (15 trees)

As usual, thank you to the Public Works Department, who is a partner we cannot do without. Each year, Kevin Heifferon meets with the ReLeaf Board to discuss and determine appropriate sites for tree planting. Once projects are identified, Kevin and his colleagues work to select and install trees.

ReLeaf is a key advocate in ensuring that the city of Greenville stays green. ReLeaf has planted more than 1,200 trees since our founding in 1990 and we keep this pace only with your continued support and funding. ReLeaf, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization so your contributions are tax deductible. Please consider recommending ReLeaf membership to your friends and colleagues. Also, consider a Commemorative Tree as a gift. The recipient will have his or her name engraved on a plaque and displayed in the lobby of the City’s Municipal Building at 201 W. Fifth Street. Once again, donations for Commemorative Trees and Membership can be given securely online through Paypal at http://releaf.us.

Thanks again to the ReLeaf Members, the Board of Directors, the Advisory Board, and the City of Greenville for contributing both time and money towards the ReLeaf mission to plant, protect, and promote canopy trees in Greenville. Canopy trees are a vital component of our community, making positive impacts on the environment and economy. We appreciate and look forward to your continued support. As always, if you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to contact me at mshewchuk@riversandassociates.com.

Best,
Myriah Shewchuk
President