Join and Support

Community Involvement

Friends of Spring Hill and the City of Charleston organize weekly and annual events that encourage public engagement with the Cemetery and Arboretum. Activities include running and walking groups, races, historical tours, tree and bird walks, and cycling tours.

Special events have included Founders, Feather, and Flora (in conjunction with FestivAll), maple syrup tapping ceremonies and workshops, bee workshops, avian adventure events, and annual celebrations of West Virginia Monarch Butterfly Day.

The Arboretum also supports research projects by West Virginia State University and the University of Charleston.

Friends of Spring Hill have led memorial tree plantings, beautification projects, Arbor Day events with schoolchildren, and other community initiatives.

We welcome groups of all ages for tours, talks, or volunteer opportunities. Speakers are also available for garden clubs, schools, and civic organizations.

Please contact chris.higgins@cityofcharleston.org to inquire about tours or to donate toward tree planting.

Donate Trees to the Arboretum

The trees of the Ratrie Arboretum provide an estimated $139,831 in ecological benefits each year. Please consider supporting these tireless living organisms with your time, talents, or financial contributions.

  • Memorial Tree Program: While flowers fade, a tree planted in memory or honor of someone endures for generations.

  • Add to Our Collections: Help expand the Arboretum’s diversity while preserving the Cemetery’s character for future generations.

Thank you to our Donors and Supporters

  • Ross Family – ‘Cherokee Brave’ Dogwood

  • Susan Churchill – ‘Amber Gold’ Dawn Redwood Allee.

  • Steven B. Taylor – Witch Hazel Collection

  • Jonathan and Adrianna Marshall – Flowering Magnolias

  • Vickie King McLaughlin – Aesculus ‘Fort McNair’

  • Daniel Boone Chapter of West Virginia Society of Sons of the American Revolution

  • Japanese Maple by Paula Bickham in memory of Harry Netzer

  • English Oak by Shannon Riley in memory of Alan R. Black

  • Sugar Maple, Mattingly family in memory of David Mattingly.

  • Community Tree Grant (CTG) administered by the West Virginia Division of Forestry

  • Legislative Funding from Delegate Michael Pushkin and the State of West Virginia, Governor Patrick Morrisey

  • Capitol Conservation District

Friends of Spring Hill Cemetery Park and Arboretum

Friends of Spring Hill Cemetery Park and Arboretum is a 501(c)(3) organization founded in 2001. Working in partnership with the City of Charleston, Friends promotes the park, preserves and restores markers and structures, enhances the landscape with plantings, and offers tours and educational programs. The Mary Price Ratrie Arboretum was developed by Friends.

Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month (except December) at 4:00 p.m. in the cemetery office conference room. The public is welcome.

Membership of Friends

Membership supports ongoing projects and keeps you informed through monthly email updates.

  • Individual: $25

  • Group / Nonprofit: $50

  • Corporate: $100

Download and fill out the Friends Membership/Donation form

Contact Information

1555 Farnsworth Drive
Charleston, WV 25301
Phone: 304-348-8010
Email: Larry.Ford@cityofcharleston.org