Civic Improvement
Civic Improvement oversees projects involving our community as well as RGC’s Arbor Day Tree Planting. Several informational outings and tours are also planned.
Traditionally we plant one tree to honor each of our previous club members who have passed away and invite their families and club members to attend. Both club and family members tell stories of remembrance which remain with us in so many ways and give solace and comfort to those still living. A plaque with deceased members’ names and dates is installed at the tree location or at the entrance to the park where the tree is planted. The ceremony is held in cooperation with the City of Raleigh Parks Department who decides the number and species of trees to plant, and at which park to plant them. Planting trees teaches stewardship of our natural resources and caring for the environment for generations to come.
Trip to Burkett Farm on Nov 7, 2025.
Outings for 2026-27
Details and signups will be available at the meetings and in the newsletter.
Sept. 25 2026 10am. Tour at Cedar Creek Gallery - glassblowing demonstration and gardens.
1150 Fleming Rd, Creedmoor
Oct 20 2026 10-12. Tour the State Capital. In the year of the 250th anniversary of this land, we will visit the State Capitol for a guided tour. See the beautiful architecture and hear about the history of the building. 1 E Edenton St, Raleigh.
March 23 2027 at 10am. Tour NCDA&CS Agronomic Services Labs, including the soil lab.
4300 Reedy Creek Rd., Raleigh, NC 27607
April 20 2027 10-12. Tour Bennett Place. Did the Civil War actually come to an end in North Carolina? Let’s visit this historic place and learn about how a small homestead in North Carolina has such an important role in American history. 4409 Bennett Memorial Rd Durham NC 27705
April 2027 Annual Memorial Tree Planting. Details available in Jan.
The Memorial Tree Planting
On Friday, April 25, 2025, four White Oaks (Quercus alba) were planted in memory of Virginia Byrd, Betty Gaster, Sara Jenkins and Annette Owen in Kiwanis Park, 2525 Noble Rd in Raleigh. A group of 15 attended sharing stories and memories of their friendships with the ladies.
On April 26, 2024 a Swamp White Oak was planted in memory of Ginny Parker at Fred Fletcher Park. Ginny was an avid gardener and a longtime member of the RGC. No job was too big or small for Ginny; she would perform them eagerly, always doing what she thought was best for the club. She was president from 2008-2010 and served in other capacities including First VP, Scholarship Chair, Chaplain, Ways and Means Chair and more. She was also active in the GCNC and SAR. Ginny won many awards during her years of service but two of her proudest moments were when she won the Maslin Award and was named a RGC Honorary Member. She will be missed and will always be part of our club in spirit.
On Friday, April 28, 2023 our Arbor Day Ceremony was held in Riverbend Park, 5610 Wallace Martin Way, Raleigh. A tree was planted to honor Charles Higginbotham, Edna Louise Caliento, and Myrtle Grizzard Hall who passed away during the previous year.
Six dogwood trees were planted in 2022 in memory of Christine Brennecke, Lilly Craig, Genelle Dail, Jane Doby, Sylvia Redwine and Carolyn Solomon in Raleigh’s Claremont Park. A dedication ceremony was held Friday, April 22, 2022.