Saint Helena Beautification Foundation
Preserving the beauty and character of St. Helena since 1978
For nearly five decades, the St. Helena Beautification Foundation has brought together residents, businesses, and community partners to preserve the places that make St. Helena special—and to create new ones for future generations.
From the Avenue of the Elms to trees, parks, public spaces, and public art, we invest in the beauty, history, and character of our community.
Because a beautiful town is more than a place. It's a legacy.
It started with the Elms
In 1978, St. Helena residents faced the loss of one of the town's most beloved landmarks: the historic Elm trees along Highway 29.
When the State of California planned to remove the Elms because of Dutch Elm Disease, Mayor Greta Ericson and concerned St. Helena residents organized to save them.
Their determination led to the creation of the St. Helena Beautification Foundation
Nearly, 50 years later, that same spirit continues.
Today, the Foundation has funded the restoration of the Elm trees along Highway 29 with disease-resistant Elms--a new generation carrying forward an old St. Helena tradition.
The trees may be young. The commitment is nearly 50 years old.
The St Helena Beautification Foundation worked with the Chamber of Commerce and Meuse Gallery to install benches created by the artist Simon Bull throughout St Helena.
Murals
The St. Helena Beautification Committee has joined forces with the St. Helena Chamber of Commerce to help bring public art to St. Helena. We believe art mural projects will highlight St. Helena’s rich arts culture, greatly enhance the beauty of Main Street shopping district, and promote civic pride. Utilizing public art to celebrate St. Helena’s cultural and historical influences will help tell our community story and provide a unique experience to both the residents and visitors. Murals are known to be uplifting, deter graffiti, promote safety, and serve as a tool in economic development.
The St. Helena Chamber of Commerce and Beautification Committee has developed a “St. Helena Art Curator Committee” consisting of local business owners, artists, building owners, Nimbus Arts and passionate residents, to help bring art murals to St. Helena.