America's Future Trees (AFT) is a foundation whose purpose is to maintain and improve the natural environment at Oglebay and Wheeling Park through new and renewal plantings of trees, and tree care. Twice a year, in the spring and fall, trees are purchased and planted where they are needed the most.

Started by Oglebay heir Courtney Burton in the 1960s, AFT continues to be a popular recipient of memorial and tribute gifts. Donations will be matched by the Wheeling Park Commission.

To date, many thousands of mature trees and seedlings have been planted throughout the parks. Much of the beauty you see in these sweeping vistas of trees and landscaping features was detailed years ago in the parks' master plan. As contributions to AFT grew, so did the trees, abundantly throughout the parks. Now, visitors from many states and foreign countries marvel at the beauty of the parks. Many have added their names to the growing list of contributors to AFT.

America's Future Trees funds are as important to the beauty of the parks today as they were in the 1970s, when land expansion and damage from Elm disease made major replacements and additions necessary.

Due to natural attrition, new plantings are continually being made throughout Oglebay and Wheeling Park. In addition to the labor required for planting, there is fertilizing, spraying and pruning to be done. To guarantee this maintenance and continually improve the tree-planting program, your help is needed.

In 2010 The Oglebay Foundation announced a campaign to raise $600,000 for AFT in order to implement a five-year landscaping plan to improve the grounds of Oglebay and Wheeling Park. This campaign honors the memory of the late Brooks Wigginton, the Wheeling Park Commission’s first and long-time landscape architect. The trees initiative will continue through 2011.

Think of your contribution to America's Future Trees Foundation - whether a memorial, tribute or general gift - as a lasting token of celebration. Your gift, no matter how modest, will assure that future generations will enjoy the trees we plant today.