Witness Tree Park

The objective of our Witness Tree Park project was to save a 300+ year old live oak witness tree by partnering with a group of volunteers and providing the missing link needed for success, which was the landscape design, plant purchase, installation and ongoing garden maintenance for a future pocket park surrounding the tree.  (This tree is significant because it witnessed a major historical event, as it was photographed with the 29^th Regiment of Colored Volunteers from Connecticut standing in front of it. On May 22, 1863, the United States Department of War issued General Order No. 143 establishing the Bureau of Colored Troops. The 29^th Regiment of Colored Volunteers from Connecticut was formed in May 1864. The 29^th was ultimately transported to Beaufort, SC, where its members performed guard and picket duty for four months from May until August of that year, and sometimes sat under the shade of the tree.)

During January of this year, our garden club members created the landscape design, shaped the 11 garden beds from the design, weeded, amended the soil, mulched, ordered, purchased and planted 51 shrubs, trees, and over 100 seasonal flowers to bring the park to life. For our ongoing role, we will purchase the plants required for the park, install them and maintain the 11 flowerbeds. Native evergreen perennials were used to anchor the beds.

‘Plant America’-Arbor Day Tree Plantings

The Civic Beautification Committee selects the planting location and type of native tree to be donated by the Club. The goal is to provide more trees annually throughout Beaufort, Tree City USA.

Learn more by Clicking here:  Plant America Initiative