A large audience attended the April 27, 2024 Arbor Day ceremony hosted by the Clinton Tree Commission. The highlight of the celebration was the naming of the local arboretum as the Carol McFeeters Thompson Arboretum in honor of the late local naturalist and site interpreter for Weldon Springs State Park. Thompson’s family was joined by family and friends to recognize her work and dedication to the arboretum, efforts to create an urban landscape in Clinton and the Tree Commission.  The DeWitt Clinton Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution donated a Swamp White Oak tree for the arboretum. The tree, planted with the help of volunteers, is located in the arboretum in the 1000 block of East Jefferson Street. (Photos courtesy of The Clinton Journal)

Tree City USA

Clinton Tree Commission

The Clinton Tree Commission held its first meeting in February 2001 with the goal of promoting an urban landscape in Clinton through the planting and nurturing of trees on city property.

The five-member commission conducted an inventory of city trees, developed and recommended tree policies and ordinances and set priorities for the planting, pruning and removal of trees.

Through efforts of the Tree Commission, the city earned a Tree City designation from the Arbor Day Foundation in 2001.

The Tree Commission has sponsored an Arbor Day celebration annually to educate the public about the value of trees and provide information on the proper way to plant a tree. Local elementary school students participate in a poster contest as part of the Arbor Day events.

In 2022, the Tree Commission updated the tree survey with an inventory of existing trees and removals. With consultation with the city, the tree commission oversees fall planting of new trees on city boulevards.

Carol McFeeters Thompson Arboretum

The Clinton Tree Commission established the city arboretum in _______ on several city blocks on the east side of Clinton where flooding had been common. 

The arboretum is bordered by the corner  S. Alexander and E. Jefferson Streets and running east to Taylor Street. It then heads north along 1000 block of E. Main, and along the tracks north of E. Washington. Its eastern border is Harrison Street.

The majority of the trees in the arboretum are memorial trees purchased by friends and family in memory of a loved one. The Tree Commission and local organizations have also planted trees in the arboretum.

The tree species represented in the arboretum includes oak, beech, maple, bald cypress, pine and sycamore. More are being added each spring generally at the Arbor Day Celebration.

 In 2024, the Clinton City Council approved a request from the Clinton Tree Commission to name the arboretum for Carol McFeeters Thompson, a naturalist and former member of the tree commission. Thompson helped create the first survey of trees planted on city boulevards and was an advocate for an urban landscape in Clinton.