Rolfe Neill Memorial Fund to enhance TreesCharlotte’s Honorary Tree Garden in Freedom Park

One of the toughest changes for TreesCharlotte was the recent passing of founding board member Rolfe Neill. A familiar face to many in Charlotte as the former publisher of the Charlotte Observer, Rolfe was widely regarded throughout the tree community as a driving force for the preservation of our city’s canopy. When reflecting on the need for leadership in caring for the trees of Charlotte, Rolfe reminded us, “Most of the things we value or enjoy, we take for granted. Often, they’ve been here when we arrived; we assume ‘somebody’ is taking care. Actually, only a very small number of people are involved in taking care of our trees.”

It is our goal to honor Neill by continuing to do just that: take care of our trees. 

With this in mind, TreesCharlotte has chosen to honor our leader and treasured friend of the trees by establishing a memorial fund in Rolfe’s memory. The Rolfe Neill Memorial Fund will be used to enhance one of Rolfe’s favorite spots in Charlotte – The Honorary Tree Garden at Freedom Park. Rolfe visited the garden on a regular basis, and it is our vision to memorialize his legacy with a contemplative area at the garden. Proposed plans include additional landscaping, a reflection bench, and the addition of  Rolfe’s favorite tree, the dogwood. Any remaining funds will be added to the TreesCharlotte Endowment Fund that Rolfe helped establish in 2016. 

If you would like to honor Neill’s memory with a donation to the Honorary Tree Garden, please complete the form below.