ALEXANDRIA, VA – On a bright Saturday morning (May 3), community members, city officials, and press gathered at Holmes Run Parkway to celebrate Alexandria’s outstanding volunteers. This group was not honored with plaques but with something far more enduring: trees.
Volunteer Alexandria, in partnership with the City of Alexandria’s Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities, hosted a tree planting event from 10 a.m. to noon. The event honored volunteer awardees by dedicating a tree in their name. This is a tradition that replaces traditional awards with living, growing legacies. This event followed a reception held on April 28.
Executive Director Marion Brunken and Board Chair Nicole McNally welcomed everyone in attendance, including City Arborist Phil Jubert and Urban Forester Scott Graham.
A new sign, installed by Volunteer Alexandria, formally dedicated the grove to these community champions.
New awardees were given trees, gloves, tools, and planting instructions. Then they were assigned specific locations in the park to plant their trees. The initiative not only honors individual service but also contributes to the city’s urban canopy and public green space.
Previous awardees Gerry Hebert and The Zebra’s founder and publisher Mary Wadland also received a new tree. Hebert was represented by his daughter, and one of this yeaer’s winners, Michael Menchel, stood in for Wadland.
By planting trees instead of distributing plaques, Volunteer Alexandria’s approach emphasizes sustainability, growth, and the deep roots volunteers form in their community.
For more about Volunteer Alexandria and how to get involved, visit volunteeralexandria.org.
