Red Maple Society

What is the Red Maple Society?

The Red Maple Society is a group of generous TreesUpstate supporters who make an annual gift of $1,000 or more to help grow a greener, healthier Upstate.

Named for the red maple, a native tree known for its beauty, resilience, and importance to our region, the Red Maple Society recognizes donors who are committed to making a lasting difference through trees. Members provide essential support for TreesUpstate’s tree planting, tree care, education, and community programs.

Your support helps TreesUpstate bring the benefits of trees to more people and places across the Upstate. From planting trees in neighborhoods and public spaces to educating communities about proper tree care, Red Maple Society members help make this work possible.

A Message from our Red Maple Society Chairpersons

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 through our support of the trees 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, we have 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 for this society to 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

Why Red Maples?

Red Maples and their cultivars are urban-hardy species that put on a spectacular light show of orange, red, and yellow in the autumn. As a TreesUpstate supporter at the Red Maple Society level, you also visibly show your support and appreciation for our diverse, 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 walk 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 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