If you’re lucky this planting season, you might stumble upon a TreesCharlotte Kindness Rock.
Kindness Rocks are river rocks, about 3-5 inches long, that are painted with charming pictures and inspiring words. At every planting this season, we are leaving behind a small handful for the lucky to discover. Each one is branded with the TreesCharlotte website address and the hashtag #TreesCLT.
TreeMaster Teresa Hedin inspired us. A couple of years ago, she painted three Kindness Rocks that we use to hold down papers at windy events. Volunteers always comment on them.
“I’m always amazed at how many people we bring happiness to when we have a TreeStore event,” Teresa said. “Finding a painted rock is like finding a treasure out in the wild. It’s something that everyone of all ages can participate in.”
This year, we had a brainstorm: Let’s get Teresa to lead a group of artists and paint 100 rocks to leave at all of our plantings in hopes of spreading some good cheer. She agreed and one warm night on the porch of Rhino Market on Morehead Street, we got to work with about 30 volunteers. Take a look at the amazing results! And if you’ve got a sharp eye, you just might find one in the urban forest.