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The Anne Springs Close Greenway^SM recently launched its 100 Trees for 100 Years campaign in honor of what would have been founder Anne Springs Close’s 100th birthday on November 15. Rooted in legacy, community engagement and environmental impact, the campaign aims to plant 100 mature native trees across the 2,100-acre Greenway, continuing Ms. Close’s lifelong mission to protect natural spaces for generations to come. 

Supporters are invited to participate by joining a unique physical challenge: walk 100 miles and raise $500 – representing $5 for every mile – before December 31 to help purchase, plant and care for an established tree. Every contribution directly supports the Greenway’s conservation efforts, ensuring these newly planted trees thrive as lasting symbols of environmental stewardship and community resilience. 

“Anne Springs Close had the vision and determination to create a place where people could connect with nature close to home,” said Elizabeth Bowers, Communications & Advancement Director of Leroy Springs & Company. “This campaign is a way for our community to honor her legacy while taking meaningful steps to address today’s environmental challenges and increasing urban encroachment.” 

To culminate the campaign and mark this historic milestone, the Greenway will host a Founders Hike on Saturday, November 15, 2025. The event will include guided hikes and a tree dedication at the Domtar Forest Porch.   

Why Trees Matter 

As development continues across South Carolina’s Piedmont, trees play a critical role in protecting the region’s ecological health and climate resilience. Mature trees can: 

• Reduce extreme heat by lowering air temperatures by nearly 10°F. 

• Improve air quality by filtering pollutants and capturing carbon. 

• Protect water and soil through erosion control and stormwater filtration. 

• Support biodiversity by providing food and habitat for birds, pollinators, and other wildlife. 

Learn more about the environmental impact of the campaign here.

A Living Tribute 

Anne Springs Close was more than the namesake of the Greenway; she was its heart and soul. As a lifelong conservationist and passionate steward of the land, she would often say she “just set out to save a few trees.” That small vision has grown into the preservation of more than 2,100 acres of protected land and a community treasure. This campaign continues her legacy by reinforcing the growth of regional tree canopy, supporting wildlife habitat and protecting the landscapes she loved.  

“Trees are more than just part of the landscape,” said Bowers. “They’re living infrastructure that makes our region stronger, healthier and more beautiful. By joining this campaign, donors are leaving a legacy that will benefit both people and wildlife for generations to come.” 

How to Get Involved 

100 Trees for 100 Years reflects the Greenway’s core mission to connect people with nature through conservation, education and low-impact recreation. Each tree planted will not only serve as a tribute to Ms. Close’s vision, but also as a vital investment in cleaner air, healthier ecosystems and more livable communities across the region. 

Community members can support the 100 Trees for 100 Years campaign by starting their own fundraising page or making a direct donation. Every gift—no matter the size—helps carry forward Ms. Close’s vision and ensures the Greenway remains a natural treasure now and forever. 

To learn more or to donate, visit https://www.ascgreenway.org/event/founders-hike/. 

About Anne Springs Close Greenway 

Nestled amid beautiful lakes and hardwood forests, the Anne Springs Close Greenway℠ is a natural preserve more than twice the size of Central Park. Minutes south of Charlotte in Fort Mill, SC, its 2,100 acres serve as a natural buffer from urban development and provide a wide-open space for countless activities – from hiking, biking and horseback riding to picnics, kayaking and more. The land has ties to the Catawba Indians and the Civil War and has been permanently preserved for public use. The children of Anne Springs Close donated the land in honor of her lifelong commitment to recreation and the environment to provide a natural landscape for the community to enjoy. The Greenway℠ contains native plants and animals, historic buildings, a 40-mile network of trails, Greenway Gateway welcome center and facilities for weddings and other special events. As a non-profit organization, it depends on memberships, program fees, as well as private donations to support annual operations. The Greenway is owned and operated by Leroy Springs & Company Inc., a 501(c)3 organization that receives no government funding for its ongoing operations and programs. 

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