Celebrating Arbor Day in Port St Lucie
January 8, 2010 by St. Lucie Times Staff · Leave a Comment
In honor of Florida Arbor Day on Friday, Jan. 15, the Keep Port St. Lucie Beautiful Committee is proud to announce two programs that will supply city residents with an abundance of trees.
Fourth graders in several schools throughout Port St. Lucie will be receiving a South Florida Slash Pine Tree to plant and care for, in celebration of Arbor Day. This program was made possible by a donation from Waste Pro of Florida, a proud sponsor of the KPSLB programs.
In addition, the KPSLB Committee is hosting a tree giveaway for city residents on Saturday, Jan. 23 from 6 a.m. to noon at the city’s Public Works Department. More than 1,000 trees will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Two species will be available, Live Oaks and Red Maples. Unlike previous tree giveaways, residents will not be required to visit educational booths, but rather will be provided a tree-care brochure to take with them. As a result, residents do not have to leave their vehicle to get a tree. One tree per household will be allowed, and proof of city residency is required.
The trees were donated by St. Lucie County to assist Port St. Lucie in its efforts to increase tree canopy and shade and to mitigate the effect of greenhouse gases.
The Port St. Lucie Public Works Department is located at 450 S.W. Thornhill Drive.
*****
The much-anticipated Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens are not set to open until mid-February, but that isn’t stopping the celebration of Florida Arbor Day on Friday, Jan. 15 from 10 to 11 a.m. on the grounds of the Botanical Gardens. The public is invited to attend.
Although the rest of the country celebrates Arbor Day on the fourth Friday in April, the third Friday in January is the official date of Florida Arbor Day due to the state’s subtropical growing climate.
The first Arbor Day tree planted in the new Botanical Gardens will be identified with a plaque, commemorating the year of its planting. Donations, and their memorials, will be listed in a Book of Remembrance, located in the Botanical Gardens Visitor Center for viewing.
Donations of any denomination are gratefully appreciated. To make a donation, send a check to Friends of the PSL Botanical Gardens, P.O. Box 9224, Port St. Lucie, FL 34985-9224. Please be specific as to your desired memorial for inclusion in the Book of Remembrance.
The Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens are located at 2410 S.E. Westmoreland Blvd.
For more information, contact:
The Friends of the Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens
(772) 337-1959
pslbotanicalgarden.blogspot.com
