Tree Tributes

Hear stories from Adopt-A-Tree Donors

The High Line Canal Conservancy has launched an Adopt-A-Tree campaign to provide a meaningful way to honor a loved one or commemorate a milestone. Donors who adopt a tree have the opportunity to provide a short narrative about why they’ve chosen to adopt a tree or the person or event they’ve chosen to commemorate. Read their stories here.

Catalpa Adopted December 31, 2025 honoring Geraldine Farrar Scruggs Dawson

“Jerry” gave her granddaughter the message that women can do anything.  Jerry loved unconditionally.  May this tree with the heart-shaped leaves remind those who pass of all the love in their lives and to pass that love along.

Kentucky Coffeetree Adopted December 31, 2025 honoring Mary Louise Bailey Evans

“Nanny” will be remembered for her Sunday dinners, home-made cookies, afghans, ornaments, as well as many other memories.  This tree honors all women who quietly keep a home that is treasured by those that love them.

Bur Oak Adopted December 31, 2025 honoring Lucy Virginia White Scruggs

“Mutt” loved to grow things (people and plants), created awesome adventures, and instilled love of life to others in the face of many great losses.  This tree is to honor her wild and resilient spirit.

Chinkapin Oak Adopted December 5, 2025 honoring Carolyn Hill, Sam Truemper and Lin Duffyhill

“Hurt people hurt others.
But, luckily, healed people heal others.
Safe people, shelter others.
Free spirits, free others.
Enlightened people, illuminate others.
And LOVE always wins.
So, shine your light
of love on all you may
cross your path in life,
because what you do matters.”

– Unknown

In remembrance of the impact you had on others—you will always be with us.

Chinkapin Oak Adopted March 15, 2025 honoring Timothy Shea

Tim, our beloved, was like a mighty oak—strong and steadfast. His roots ran deep, anchored in family, friendships, and love. His branches reached high, always striving and growing, touching the lives of all who knew him.

Chinkapin Oak Adopted November 12, 2024 honoring Mo Mo

Mo Mo, my faithful companion and walking buddy, and I walked the High Line Canal daily for 17 years. We enjoyed the changing seasons and meeting our fellow dog walkers. It was our little peace of heaven in this busy city. Karen T.

Honeylocust Adopted September 20, 2024 honoring Grace Elizabeth Forbes

Our precious Grace came during one Spring day, but sadly left us during the Fall as the leaves turned gorgeous colors of red, orange, and gold. We will remember our Grace fondly when we see gorgeous fall leaves because her spirit lives in the trees. Georgianna & Peter Forbes (October 7, 2000)

Kentucky Coffeetree Adopted September 14, 2024 honoring Todd, Bobbie and Charlie Webster

Here’s to all the walks and all the trees! We were so lucky to get the best big brother, son, and woodle-dad in the world! May you and the boys always have fun and adventures! Grama, the Ironfields and all the big dogs are ready to share adventures with you now too. Love always, Mom and Alli.

Plains Cottonwood Adopted July 24, 2024 honoring Susan Long

She told us “Life is a feast!”
and she relished it.
Susan Long:
loving mother, neighbor,
partner, friend.
Celebrated singer,
actress, performer.
To us you were:
brilliant, cultured, creative—
courageous, strong, awe-inspiring—
gentle, warm-hearted, kind—
playful, spirited, sparkling—
a shining light, a luminous soul—
forever remembered, eternal in love.

Bur Oak Adopted June 22, 2024 honoring Dave and D.J. Torbett

Adopted by Marv Flom and Susan Truitt, dedicated to Dr. Dave and Donna Jean (D.J.) Torbett, on June 22, 2024, their 73rd wedding anniversary. Like a strong and mighty oak tree shelters the animals who live in and below its branches, Dave and D.J. have spread love and friendship in our neighborhood near the High Line Canal for many years.

Catalpa Adopted May 3, 2024 Honoring Warren Eugene Kuehner

We believe Warren would be honored with a memorial tree. Warren believed trees represent the Interdependent Circle of Life and, more importantly, that they communicate! He loved walking the High Line Canal pondering the beauty and sustaining forces of nature. Signed, Betty, Jenn and Mary

Bur Oak Adopted March. 3, 2024 Honoring Milo Ginsberg

Milo, happy 10th birthday! Remember the mighty oak was once a nut like you. Love, Mia and G-daddy

Bur Oak Adopted March. 3, 2024 Honoring Max Ginsberg

Max, happy 10th birthday! Remember the mighty oak was once a nut like you. Love, Mia and G-daddy

Kentucky Coffeetree Adopted Dec. 12, 2023 Honoring Andrea Howland

Happy birthday to my wonderful sister! – Sam Howland

Shumard Oak Adopted Sept. 1, 2023 Honoring Odin Deifik

Jordan’s and Ben’s little Odin who passed away at 5 years. He was a loving, fearless and feisty little boy who lived his life to the fullest. – Nancy Deifik “Nona”

Chinkapin Oak Adopted May 4, 2023 Honoring Lucy Deifik

Bruce’s little girl. She gave 16.5 years of unconditional love to the family and will be greatly missed by the family and those who knew her from her daily walks in the neighborhood. – Nancy Deifik

Chinkapin Oak Adopted May 4, 2023 Honoring Beast Witheiler

The best little boy and the fastest ball player ever, pound per pound. He gave 17 years of unconditional love to the family. He will be greatly missed by the family and those who knew him. – Nancy Deifik

Tatarian Maple Adopted May 1, 2023 Honoring Ben Wood, in loving memory, 1932-2013.

Ben was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who loved to challenge his limits skiing, hiking, sailing, or playing with his children and grandchildren. He loved walking the High Line Canal and once took friends and his kids down the canal on canoes – Ann, Jenny, Greg and Robyn

Kentucky Coffeetree Adopted May 1, 2023 Honoring Catherine Decker, in loving memory, 1938-2018.

Catherine was a cherished friend to our family for over 40 years. She loved to walk along the canal with Ben and June, talking about life and enjoying the beauty of the canal. She is beloved by so many friends, her children and grandchildren – The Ben and June Wood family

Flowering Pear Adopted May 1, 2023 Honoring June Wood, in loving memory, 1932-2021.

June was beloved by her family. She doted on her husband, children and especially her grandchildren. She had a special love for the High Line Canal which she walked regularly with Ben and Catherine, among others. She loved its serenity, beauty and birds. – Ann, Jenny, Greg and Robyn.

Boxelder Adopted May 1, 2023 Honoring Clarice Evelyn Ross Kovaly

We planted a Boxelder in our backyard with my mother when I was a little kid with my three younger brothers and little sister. We crashed into it constantly wrestling and playing football. Ultimately, I’m not sure it survived our roughhousing so I wanted this in memory of her, just in case. – James Kovaly

Chinkapin Oak Adopted April 27, 2023 Honoring Bert Neely

Bert loved our backyard backing to the High Line Canal and the magnificent trees shading our house. When he passed, he asked for trees to be planted in his name, and I believe this tree was planted just for him—dedicated with love for Bert and the Canal. – Patti Jansen

Hawthorne Adopted Spring 2022 Honoring Charles H. Harris

We’re grateful for the opportunity to have a tree to memorialize my dad and also as a place for our family to have another reason to get on the Canal. It gives us a destination on the trail and is a nice way to honor his memory and be outside. – Jamie and Brian Harris