Okalawaha Greenway ‘Walk & Talk’: Native Tree w/ Wes Burlingame

A new section of Hendersonville’s Oklawaha Greenway was recently opened, creating a three-mile-long paved walkway meandering through meadows, wetlands, and forests and linking Jackson Park, Patton Park, and Berkley Park. Over the next several months, the Friends of the Oklawaha Greenway will introduce “Oklawaha Greenway Walks and Talks,” a series of educational outings for the whole family.  The first in the series — on Saturday, July 9, at 10 a.m. — focuses 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.

Wes Burlingame, a retired nurseryman and member of the Hendersonville Tree Board, will lead the walk, which is sponsored by Hendersonville Tree Board.  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.

Hendersonville Tree Board – sponsor of this event — 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 Jack Robinson, Friends of Oklawaha Greenway, at 828-335-2479 or jackrobinsonmerida@gmail.com.