IRMO, S.C. — Whitt Cline, retired public works director for the Town of Irmo, has been recognized with the 2026 Golden Acorn Award from Trees SC for his decades of service to the community and commitment to urban forestry.
Cline received the award during the Fall South Carolina Urban Forestry Conference at the River Center at Saluda Shoals Park.
The Golden Acorn Award recognizes individuals who demonstrate an exceptional and sustained commitment to urban forestry, public stewardship and long-term community impact across South Carolina.
Cline served the Town of Irmo for 25 years and spent 15 years actively involved with Trees SC. During his municipal career, he played a key role in caring for Irmo’s trees and public spaces, leading Arbor Day initiatives, overseeing tree-planting projects and promoting awareness of the importance of preserving the community’s tree canopy.
His contributions to Irmo were further recognized earlier this year when Irmo’s town park was renamed Whitt Cline Community Park, creating a lasting connection between his legacy of public service and one of the town’s major green spaces.
“Whitt’s nomination is a recognition of sustained service,” said Robbie Derrick, director of Planning and GIS for Lexington County 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.”
Derrick said naming a public park after Cline was particularly appropriate because of his connection to Irmo’s green spaces.
“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,” Derrick said. “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.”
Cline recalled that his efforts to improve Irmo’s tree canopy began shortly after he joined the town 25 years 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,” Cline said after 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, Cline and his crews planted approximately 2,000 trees and helped develop four parks throughout the town.
“We fundamentally changed the landscape of Irmo for generations to come,” Cline said. “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 recognizes leaders whose work produces lasting environmental benefits for communities across South Carolina. Cline’s efforts have helped establish and preserve a tree canopy that will continue to provide shade, beauty and environmental benefits for Irmo residents and visitors for years to come.
About Trees SC
Trees SC is a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting stewardship of South Carolina’s urban and community forests through education, advocacy and technical assistance.
