The “Green the Garst” tree donation program was created so the community can participate in beautifying the museum grounds and help create a lasting legacy. Since 2014, 33 new trees have been planted:
Drs. Chris and Clay Johnson and Blaine Baker for Sherlie S. Baker (24 trees planted April 10, 2014)
The Jasenski Family (planted December 4, 2014)
The Bankson Family Memorial Tree (planted June 26, 2015)
The Kagey Family Memorial Tree (planted November 29, 2016)
Dan Esarey for Ann and Patrick Esarey (two trees planted April 26, 2017)
In memory of Joan Hawley (planted May 1, 2018)
In memory of Victor Hauberg, Herbert Hauberg, and Arlene Hauberg Shiverdecker (planted July 3, 2018)
Gathering at Garst Committee in memory of Elaine Bailey (planted August 27, 2018)
In memory of Charles Rollin Fowble (Spring 2019)
In memory of Jim and Toni Seiler, Richard and Phyllis Seiler, and Jack and Kay Seiler (October 2020)
Spencer Landscaping, Inc. of Greenville helps administer the program. Currently, the program will focus on the museum’s main grounds, east of the museum between Garst Avenue and Wilson Drive. Trees donated throughout the year will be planted in the spring or fall based on the museum’s landscaping plan. The donation includes professional installation. Following the donation of the former Buchy Food Service property in 2012, the museum grounds expanded to over nine acres. The Darke County Historical Society is actively planning to convert the former Buchy property into an attractive, landscaped property and to create additional parking for the museum. As the planning for the former Buchy property evolves, additional landscaping donation options will be made available. For more information about the “Green the Garst” program, please contact the museum at 937-548-5250 or information@garstmuseum.org.