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State agencies urging residents to plant trees

2 min read

The Florida Department of Agriculture and the Florida Forest Service want to inspire Floridians to plant, nurture and celebrate trees.

“This time of the year, winter and early spring, is the best time to plant trees because trees are in a dormant stage, Jeff Anderson, Conservation 20/20, Conservation Lands Coordinator, Lee County Parks & Recreation said.

“Here on Pine Island we have the Pine Island Flatwoods Preserve just off of Stringfellow Road,” Anderson said. “This is nearly 920 acres of pine flatwoods, mangrove swamps, and mudflats. This preserve offers great nature hiking and wildlife observation opportunities.”

In observance of Arbor Day, Conservation 20/20 planted 18,000 south Florida slash pine seedlings purchased from the Florida Forest Service this month. The goal is to re-establish this former palm grove to the original pine flatwoods native habitat. The cost of the seedlings was $3,780; installation cost $4,409 with a total cost of $8,189.

The planting occurred Jan. 13-14, just in time for Arbor Day in what is called the “palm grove.” The area is just north of the parking area and trailhead entrance. The “palm grove” is a 30-acre grove purchased as a connector to the northern and southern portions of Pine Island Flatwoods Preserve in 2007.

“We had good soil moisture conditions, and the rain on Tuesday was perfect timing to follow up the completion of the install,” Anderson said. “We are hoping for good survival rates due to the cool, wet conditions.”

The statement issued by the Florida Department of Agriculture states: “Plant a tree to grow with your family. Trees reduce sound, produce oxygen, store carbon, clean the air, provide shade, reduce wind and erosion and increase property values.”