Tree Board
The Elkins Tree Board works to protect, improve, and promote appreciation of the city’s urban forest. The board advises the City on matters involving trees in public spaces, supports tree planting and care, and provides educational programs and resources for the community.
On this page, you can learn about the board and its members, explore the Elkins Urban Forest Management Plan, and find self-guided walks, nature activities, tree-identification guides, and information about programs and services.
Committee & Commission Meeting Times
For more information about the Tree Board and how you can help, contact Marilynn Cuonzo, the current president of the Tree Board.
- Board of Property Maintenance Appeals
- Regional Task Force on Homelessness, Addiction, and Mental Health
- Elfkins Committee
- Board of Zoning Appeals
- Building Commission
- Fire & Rescue Service Fee Appeals Board
- Firefighters Civil Service Commission
- Historic Landmarks Commission
- Housing Authority of the City of Elkins
- Parks and Recreation Commission
- Planning Commission
- Police Civil Service Commission
- Sanitary Board
- Tree Board
- Water Board
Current Members
- Nanci Bross-Fregonara, term expires 12/31/2028
- Iris Allen, term expires 12/31/2028
- Linda Burke, term expires 12/31/2027
- Linda Silva, term expires 12/31/2026
- Marilynn Cuonzo, President, term expires 12/31/2026
- Cody Kerns, term expires 12/31/2026
- Stephanie Beck, term expires 12/31/2026
- Melissa Thomas-VanGundy, term expires 12/31/2026
Elkins Urban Forest Management Plan
The Elkins Urban Forest Management Plan was accepted by City Council in 2024. It contains information about the Elkins Tree Board’s goals and objectives, mission, work plans, and public survey results, which helped shape the document.
It also includes tree planting and care guidance and lists of recommended trees with descriptions for our area.
A Self-Guided Tour: The Downtown Elkins Tree Walk!
For more than 100 years, trees have graced downtown Elkins. Most recently, they grew in planter boxes—but over time, the confined space limited their growth, harmed their health, and damaged the sidewalks.
Thanks to WV Division of Forestry grants, support from the City of Elkins, and many volunteers, downtown now has new sidewalk trees. Over the past four years, these trees were set in larger spaces with a decorative tree grate, giving their roots room to thrive while protecting the sidewalks. The Tree Board planted a variety of species to safeguard against disease or infestations—like the blight fungus that devastated chestnut trees along the East Coast in the early 1900s.
Exploring downtown? Take the Downtown Elkins Tree Walk! Click on the image to open and then print it; or pick up a printed version at the Downtown Depot Welcome Center (315 Railroad Ave.).
Adopt-a-Tree Program
One purpose of the City of Elkins Tree Board Adopt-A-Tree program is to have more young trees planted throughout the city. The Adopt-A-Tree program provides a free young tree to selected homeowners in each of the city’s five wards.
Although the Spring Adopt-A-Tree program is now closed, there may be similar opportunities in the future, depending on available funds. Please note that all applicants must be residents of the City of Elkins. Selected tree owners commit to taking care of the tree and planting it within two weeks of receiving it.
Arborist Services
Certified Arborist Availability
The City of Elkins uses the services of a certified arborist to assist residents with determining potentially hazardous trees on their property. Please note this analysis is only available for trees located in the tree berm or public right of way area of their front yard. Contact the Tree Board for more information.
Nature Activities and Identification Guides
Explore the trees, birds, and other natural features of Glendale Park and Elkins City Park with these free printable activities and guides created by the Elkins Tree Board.
- Birds of Glendale Park — A visual guide to birds commonly seen in and around Glendale Park.
[Download the Birds of Glendale Park guide (PDF)] - Glendale Park Scavenger Hunt — Search the park for interpretive signs, wildlife features, distinctive trees, and other points of interest.
[Download the Glendale Park Scavenger Hunt (PDF)] - Common Tree Barks of West Virginia — Learn to recognize eight common West Virginia trees by the appearance and texture of their bark.
[Download the Tree Bark Identification Guide (PDF)] - Elkins City Park Tree Bingo — Four different bingo cards for exploring the trees and shrubs of Elkins City Park. Print multiple cards and make it a group activity.
[Download Elkins City Park Tree Bingo (PDF)]
Apply
If you are interested in serving on this or any other board or commission, submit an application to be kept on file at the City Clerk’s office. Vacancies do not frequently arise, but, should an opening occur on a board for which you have indicated interest within two years of receipt, you will be contacted.
For More Information
City Clerk
Sutton Stokes
401 Davis Ave
Elkins, West Virginia 26241
304-636-1414, ext. 1211 (office)
suttonstokes@cityofelkinswv.gov
