On Saturday, October 7th, the popular series “Walks and Talks Along the Oklawaha Greenway” returns to focus on identifying and understanding native trees. The program is open to the public at no charge.
Meet at Patton Park in the circular pavilion near the basketball courts. The walk will be about 90 minutes, returning to Patton Park. The hike will be held rain or shine. The program is co-sponsored by Hendersonville Tree Board and Friends of the Oklawaha Greenway.
Oklawaha Greenway is a three-mile-long paved walkway meandering through meadows, wetlands, and forests, and linking Jackson Park, Patton Park, and Berkley Park.
Wes Burlingame, a retired nurseryman and member of the Hendersonville Tree Board, will lead the walk. The newest section of the Greenway, between Patton Park and Berkley Park, features 500 planted native trees as well as many mature trees.
Greenway parking is available at Berkley Park, Patton Park, and Jackson Park, with smaller parking areas on Seventh Avenue East at Mud Creek and on North Main Street at Mud Creek.
“Friends of the Oklawaha Greenway is a group of people who see beauty and multiple values in our wonderful greenway and who want to use it as a tool to learn more about our natural environment,” said Suzanne Hale, a member of the group. “The Greenway is also popular for recreation, transportation, family outings, and it contributes handsomely to our economy.”
Hendersonville Tree Board is commissioned by the City of Hendersonville to provide advice on the selection and care of trees and shrubs in public places. The Tree Board also educates the public concerning the economic and aesthetic benefits of trees and shrubs for the community. The Arbor Day Foundation has recognized Hendersonville as a Tree City USA for 25 years because of its high level of tree care. The city also became a Bee City USA in 2015.
For more information about “Walks and Talks Along the Greenway” contact Suzanne Hale, Friends of Oklawaha Greenway, at 828-202-5313 or [email protected].