Clinton Canopy is a small group of dedicated volunteers. Our mission is to improve the quality of life in Clinton by working to improve our green spaces. That work may range from litter pick-up, to grant writing, to helping to re-landscape a park. Clinton Canopy evolved from a citizens group that came together in 2007 as a part of the city's community driven strategic planning process, Clinton Focus 2013. As the “Green Space” committee, we studied parks and trails, among other things. After the planning process was completed, some committee members decided to continue working together. Clinton Canopy grew out of a desire to stay the course and work on varied projects to improve the quality of life around Clinton in areas relating to green space – parks, trails, natural settings, outdoor recreation, etc. We are a loose collection of volunteer citizen advocates rising to the challenge as our time and interests allow. We invite anyone who would like to get involved with us to contact us at clintoncanopy@gmail.com.
History and Accomplishments
2023 – Planted raised beds along Broad Street at the West Main Parking lot. Started Daffodils for Remembrance by planting 600 daffodil bulbs on Laurens County School District 56 property. Had stairs built to a future picnic area at Millers Fork.
2022 – Created a rock garden at the intersection of Hwys. 56 and 72 on the north side of town. Worked with Laurens County Parks & Recreation to put a sign at the entrance of Millers Fork. Added plant ID signs to the Martha Dendy Bioswale.
2021 - Replanted the tree wells on Broad Street. Worked with TNB Financial to clean up and landscape the alleyway behind their business. Ribbon cutting at Millers Fork Trail. Published a Greenspace brochure using an Accommodations Tax grant, highlighting all our parks and the use of the Plants Map database. Installed over 100 new signs around town.
2020 - Enhanced Orr Park with additional plants to turn it into a pollinator garden and had it registered as a Monarch Way Station. Partnered with the city to enhance the landscaping at Pine Street Park as part of a PARD grant.
2019 - Initiated an effort to landscape the downtown alleys, partnering with the city and local citizens who donated plants. Sponsored the Mural on Musgrove by artist Janette Marvin, in partnership with Ashley Martin, owner of Sunshine City, who provided the wall. Partnered with the city to implement a $20,000 TD Green Space grant at Martha Dendy Park.
2018 - "Orr Park Renewed" ceremony recalled the history of J.A. Orr and the park named after him. Introduced the use of QR code signs to identify plants in the park and elsewhere in the city. Partnered with the city to implement a $20,000 TD Green Streets grant at Pine Haven Park. Helped conduct the final TD event and plant 5 trees for Arbor Day.
2017 - Landscaped the pocket park on Musgrove Street. Landscaped the rock garden in the median at the south end of Hwys. 56 & 72. Worked with the city to plant 5 Nuttall oaks at Clinton Mill Park for Arbor Day
2016 - Worked with the City to achieve the Arbor Day Foundation Tree Line USA designation. Promoted Millers Fork Trail, received PRT recommendation for $99,000 grant.
2015 - Worked with the city to update and resubmit PRT grant proposal for Millers Fork Trail. Worked with Presbyterian College to achieve Tree Campus USA designation. Partnered with the City to develop and implement Arbor Day observances
2014 - Worked with the City and the Arbor Day Foundation to achieve Tree City USA designation
2013 - Partnered with the City and Central Realty on a Parks, Recreation & Tourism grant application for Millers Fork Trail. Explored the feasibility of developing a trail from the city’s Greenway Master Plan
2011 - Dedication of the LCSD56 Arboretum
2009 - Partnered with Laurens County School District 56 and Forever Wild to establish the LCSD56 Arboretum.
2008 - Recommendations for Clinton Focus 2013 accepted and approved by City Council
2007 - Originated as part of the city’s “Clinton Focus 2013” planning process
