Welcome to ReLeaf News
Welcome to our ReLeaf Newsletter! Last year has been busy as we have worked to plant, promote, and protect trees here in Greenville.
In November, ReLeaf and the City of Greenville planted 47 trees in the Kearney Park neighborhood. By giving programs to civic organizations, we have promoted more trees in Greenville.
Through attendance at City of Greenville hearings and board meetings, we have advocated for ordinances to protect our trees. Your generous support is greatly appreciated and has helped to make a greener Greenville.
— Patsy Duke, President, ReLeaf Board of Directors
Upcoming Events
- Inez Fridley Park Dedication October 24, 2025 – 200 Ash Street, Greenville
- Annual Membership Meeting The Music House, 408 West Fifth Street (Fall date and time to be announced)
- Community Tree Day Fall 2025 (date to be announced)
ReLeaf and Greenville Arbor Day Celebration
The City of Greenville and ReLeaf partnered with South Greenville Elementary School and ECU Community School to plant three trees — a Chinese elm, a willow oak, and a Shumard oak — on the schools’ shared playground to celebrate Arbor Day.
“We promote canopy trees. They are indigenous to the area,” said Devin Thompson, the city’s buildings and grounds superintendent.
ReLeaf also awarded 10 prizes to student participants in an annual essay contest on The Importance of Trees.
The ceremony included:
- An Arbor Day proclamation by Mayor PJ Connelly
- Presentation of the Tree City USA flag by Pitt County park ranger Robin Weber
- A slideshow on trees by Hannah Smith, Resource Conservation Specialist for Pitt County
Event organization was led by Alice Arnold, ReLeaf board member.
Kevin Heifferon Retires
After 25 years of service, Kevin Heifferon, Assistant Director of Public Works and Arborist for the City of Greenville, retired in May.
Kevin was ReLeaf’s city liaison and played a vital role in:
- Planning and implementing planting projects
- Designing planting sites and selecting tree species
- Mapping and inventorying trees planted by ReLeaf
The ReLeaf board extends heartfelt thanks to Kevin for his dedicated service and passion for the beautification of Greenville.
Past Events Updates
Earth Day Celebration
- Date: April 26, 2025
- Location: Eastern Carolina Village and Farm Museum
- Participants included The Cypress Group of the Sierra Club, ReLeaf, FROGGS, The NC Conservation Network, Pitt County Master Gardeners, Vegetarians in Pitt County, and GUC.
- The museum also hosted a plant sale.
Advocacy Efforts
On June 24, ReLeaf members joined Friends of Greenville Greenways (FROGGS) at East Carolina University for a letter-writing event. Together, they advocated for:
- Better tree ordinances in Greenville
- State support for parks and trails
ReLeaf has also joined a coalition with local environmental groups to pool resources and work toward stronger tree ordinances and better multi-modal public pathways.
Commemorative Tree Program
The Commemorative Tree Program allows citizens and organizations to honor or memorialize loved ones through tree donations.
Trees Planted Since August 2024
In Memory of:
Peggy Rose Corbitt, Samia Sullivan, Connie Minges Bond, Linda King Welch, William Richard Freelove, Edward T. Schlichting, Peter Stellato, Patricia Minges-Kalinowski, Camille Clark
In Honor of:
Lyndale Garden Club – 50 Years, Potpourri Garden Club, Kevin Heifferon
Names are included in ReLeaf’s Book of Honor at Shepard Memorial Library. Honorees and families are notified, and trees are planted as part of ReLeaf’s annual Greenville projects.
ReLeaf Information
Board of Directors
- Patsy Duke, President
- Andrea Pike, Vice President
- Rebecca Powers, Secretary
- Patrice Alexander, Treasurer
- Alice Arnold
- Brian Carawan
- Marly Irby
- Susan Martin-Meggs
- Jon Shaw