Augusta University held a dedication ceremony on March 18 for two newly planted signature trees on its Summerville Campus, recognizing the Sand Hills Garden Club and other contributors who made the project possible. A plaque placed in front of the new deodar cedar tree commemorates the club’s 100th anniversary and acknowledges their donation.
The dedication comes after Hurricane Helene struck Augusta in September 2024, causing widespread damage and destroying many trees on campus. The restoration effort was seen as an important step in healing both the landscape and community spirit. “Because of the vision and the generosity of the Sand Hills Garden Club and the Hurricane Helene Community Crisis Fund at the Community Foundation for the CSRA, this space will once again reflect the strength, the legacy, the beauty and the resilience of this university and our community,” said AU President Russell T. Keen. “The Garden Club is helping not only restore this landscape, but the spirit of a place cherished by both our campus and the entire Summerville community.”
Members of Sand Hills Garden Club are closely connected to Augusta University, often using its grounds for recreation with their families. After witnessing significant loss from Hurricane Helene, they partnered with university leaders to help restore what was lost while marking their centennial milestone. “We all witnessed the significant loss of trees on the campus of Augusta University, a campus that not only serves the students, but is also a part of life for so many of us in Augusta,” said Cathy Dolan, president of Sand Hills Garden Club. “We were moved by the university’s comprehensive tree care plan and its commitment to renewal. University leaders’ dedication inspired us to work alongside them in strengthening and enhancing these grounds for generations to come.”
Dolan also recognized support from organizations such as Trustees’ Garden Club of Savannah, The Garden Club of America and its Civic Improvement Committee, as well as a partnership with Community Foundation of CSRA. Together they raised $150,000 for new trees through grants and matching funds.
Shell Berry, president and CEO of Community Foundation for CSRA, described how meaningful it was to see restoration efforts following such visible storm damage: “Anyone who drives down Walton Way and did so right after the storm saw the devastating impact… I think it represents hope. It represents that when we combine our efforts together, we can do things like put a magnificent tree back and hope that 250 years from now, people are still talking about it. What better way to honor not only Augusta University, but the community at large. It’s such a visible reminder of regrowth and the power to do big things.”
A second plaque installed ahead of dedication memorializes a historic deodar cedar lost during Hurricane Helene—a Georgia Champion tree that stood at Walton Way entrance for 250 years—emphasizing its symbolic role in university history.
