Whitt Cline receives prestigious Golden Acorn Award from Trees SC

Trees SC(opens in new tab) has officially recognized Whitt Cline, retired Public Works Director for the Town of Irmo(opens in new tab), with the 2026 Golden Acorn Award during the Fall South Carolina Urban Forestry Conference at the River Center at Saluda Shoals Park(opens in new tab).

The Golden Acorn Award honors individuals who demonstrate exceptional, sustained commitment to urban forestry, public stewardship, and long-term community impact across South Carolina.

Cline’s career includes 25 years of municipal service to the Town of Irmo and 15 years of dedicated involvement with Trees SC. During his tenure, Cline led transformative hands-on care for the town’s living landscape, driving key Arbor Day initiatives, managing comprehensive tree planting projects, and expanding public awareness around canopy conservation.

Whitt Cline with the SC Trees Board Members

His lasting contributions to the local environment were permanently commemorated with the naming of Whitt Cline Community Park(opens in new tab) in Irmo, a green space that reflects his legacy of public service and community care.

“Whitt’s nomination is a recognition of sustained service,” said Robbie Derrick, Director of Planning and GIS for Lexington County(opens in new tab) and a Trees SC board member. “His 25 years of service to Irmo and 15 years to Trees SC demonstrate reliability, stewardship, civic pride, and dedication to long-term community benefit. Having his name associated with a public park is especially fitting because it connects his legacy directly to the green spaces, trees, and gathering places he spent his career protecting. His service has strengthened both his local community and our broader urban forestry network, and it is a true honor to award him the 2026 Golden Acorn Award.”

Reflecting on his journey and the evolution of Irmo’s urban canopy, Cline recalled the modest beginnings of his efforts decades ago.

“When I first took the job in Irmo 25 years ago, I started planting a few trees down St. Andrews Road along the railroad track,” said Cline upon receiving the award. “The mayor at the time asked if I really thought we could cover that entire stretch. I told him, ‘No, I think we can do a little better than that.’ Over the years, we planted 2,000 trees, built four parks, and fundamentally changed the landscape of Irmo for generations to come. This is something I and my entire crew are deeply proud of. I appreciate this recognition and have thoroughly enjoyed my 15 years with Trees SC.”

The Golden Acorn Award celebrates leaders whose contributions create lasting environmental benefits for South Carolina communities. Cline’s work ensures that residents and visitors of Irmo will continue to enjoy a thriving, shaded community structure for decades to come.

About Trees SC

Trees SC is a statewide non-profit organization dedicated to fostering stewardship of South Carolina’s urban and community forests through education, advocacy, and technical assistance.