Dear TreesUpstate Supporter,
As a couple that loves the natural beauty of the Upstate, we have strived to live a life of service to ensure that we leave that beauty to the next generation. That legacy also proudly continues in our son James who was a Community Forester for TreesUpstate before his educational outreach role at the South Carolina Botanical Garden. And it continues each year in our support of trees that TreesUpstate plants and cares for across our region.
As inaugural and honorary chairpersons of the Red Maple Society, we invite you to join us in this premier donor recognition society of TreesUpstate, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that plants, protects, and promotes trees. Members of the society secure the financial health of a growing organization that cooperates with citizens, supporters, businesses, community groups, and local governments to protect and promote the benefits of our trees.
In David’s time as U.S. Ambassador to Canada and time since we’ve come to see the red maple leaf on the Canadian Flag as a symbol of cooperation, friendship, and hope for our shared future. Our aim is that this society would also be one of goodwill among neighbors, where we can enjoy each other among the trees while supporting the mission of TreesUpstate.
Thank you for your consideration and we hope to welcome you soon into the Red Maple Society.
Sincerely,
David and Susan Wilkins
Yearly Giving Level – $1,000+
Red Maple Society membership is a donation amount of $1,000 or more a year. Your gift will go to TreesUpstate’s Annual Giving Fund to meet our most pressing needs and is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by federal law.
Join TreesUpstate’s Red Maple Society and help us plant and maintain our tree canopy.
Why Red Maples?
Red Maples and their cultivars are a group of urban hearty species that give a spectacular light show of orange, red, and yellow colors in the autumn season. As a supporter of TreesUpstate at the Red Maple Society level, you are also visibly showing your support and appreciation for our diverse and local tree canopy. TreesUpstate strives to plant trees including maples that will live100 years or more. Every dollar donated increases the tree canopy in our area, something we all share and benefit from.
Exclusive Tree Tours and Benefits
Society supporters join together three times a year to experience camaraderie and tour local trees in unique places. During these casual excursions, a tree expert leads a Red Maple Society nature walking tour to identify types of trees, interact with trees and friends, and enjoy interesting facts and stories together. (Note: These will be in locations with walkable terrain)
Exclusive Benefits
- Your gift will help TreesUpstate plant five 15-gallon trees.
- Your name will be listed on the TreesUpstate website as a Red Maple Society member.
- Your name will be listed in the TreesUpstate’s annual report as a Red Maple Society member.
- You will receive an invitation three times a year to an exclusive tree tour, only for Red Maple Society members.
Ways to give:
- A single one-time donation
- Pledge a recurring monthly or annual donation at or above the Red Maple Society level
Gallery of Tree Tours
Past tours include: Spring 2022 Milliken Arboretum and Guest House, September 2022 Private Home on Paris Mountain, November 2022 South Carolina Botanical Garden, Spring 2023 Susan Jacobs Arboretum