The Bur Oak (Quercus macrocarpa) is a majestic oak native to northern and the central United States. NSVMGA has chosen to sponsor a Bur Oak at the State Arboretum of Virginia at Blandy Experimental Farm in memory of our friends and fellow Master Gardeners from the Northern Shenandoah Valley. When fully grown, the tree will provide a wide expanse of dense shade. Its fringe-capped acorns will feed birds and small mammals for many years to come.
Directions to the memorial tree.
NSVMGA members we have lost…
Frank Baxter (Class of 1996; 4/30/2025)
Mary Craig (Class of 2005; 5/10/2019)
Georgeanna DuBois (Class of 2006; 3/13/2021)
Mary Flagg (Class of 2005; 7/13/2019)
Bud Gregory (Class of 1996; 12/11/2009)
Fran Gregory (Class of 1996; 06/30/2023)
Ron Guss (Class of 1996; 02/22/2015)
George Hadler (Class of 2001; 07/05/2012)
Larry Haun (Class of 2005; 07/20/2017)
Erol Himelright (Class of 2002; 10/08/2005)
Susie Howard (Class of 2000; 02/04/2009)
Rich Howell (Class of 2012; 7/27/2023)
James Jones (Class of 2012; 1/23/2025)
Lou Powell (Class of 2009; 04/16/2010)
Mary Price (Transfer 1993; 05/09/2009)
Steve Resan (Class of 2018; 10/30/25)
Virginia “Ginny” Smith (Class of 2013; 12/07/2024)
Howard Slothower (Class of 1996; 08/21/2005)
Russell “Russ” J. Watkins (Class of 2015, 05/21/2022)
Memorial Tree Dedication
NSVMGA members gather around to pay tribute to EMGs who have passed on. They were joined by Thomas Schafer, partner to long-time EMG James Jones. Lynn Howell, wife to Rich Howell, sent her thanks but due to complications was unable to attend. VCE Program Associate Joanne Royaltey also sent a message of support which was read to the attendees.
The program included a reading of the names of all 18 deceased members, remembrances shared by those gathered, a rendition of Amazing Grace, a recounting of how we came to choose this spot at Blandy and this particular tree, reading of the poem High Flight, and a final dedication of the tree and plaque.
In revealing the plaque, Rochelle Dornatt recited this invocation: “This tree stands tall for all Master Gardeners who have put their hands in soil, communed with nature, and shared a connection to the environment of plants. It is a living tribute to our gardening friends who have passed on to a new world.” (9/28/2025)
