SPL LIVING
Taking Root
Trees Have Never Been More Important
Located on the property of Lakeview Presbyterian Church, the majestic Abe Winters Live Oak supports children learning to climb trees through Pathfinder Outdoor Education. Abe Winters is considered the grandfather of recreational tree climbing. BY CATHY HARRELSON Trees are leafing out across much of St. Petersburg, providing one obvious transition from our relatively mild winter to a beautiful spring. It’s easy to take this annual process for granted, but trees provide multiple layers of value to our city. And we certainly miss them when they’re gone.
Program. Gift trees are available in varied species and locations, for birthdays, holidays, or as a memorial. Additionally, the City has begun focused tree plantings along street corridors. Corridor plantings to date include 18th Avenue South and most recently, 30th Avenue North, with more in the planning stages.
Communities around the country are engaged in Urban Reforestation, from the urban core through yards, neighborhoods, parks, and streets. Trees have never been more important. Rising temperatures, rainfall changes and the escalating impacts of climate change point to planting and growing trees as a low-tech way to cool our homes, reduce our energy use, and improve our health. Neighborhoods with a robust canopy have higher property values, and trees contribute to our overall sense of well-being.
A comprehensive tree canopy study is also underway, enabling us to work from a clear map to plant and grow trees where they are most needed, to avoid places where they may cause trouble, and to ensure species diversity. In fact, success depends on the concept of “right tree, right place,” the basis for tree planting programs from Pinellas County Extension Service to SWFWMD (Southwest Florida Water Management District).
The City of St. Petersburg has been committed to increasing the canopy in our parks, aided by Parks and Recreation’s Gift Tree
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StPeteLifeMag.com
March/April 2020
Planning Ahead But like it or not, St. Petersburg’s popularity and growth as “the”
PHOTO/PATHFINDER OUTDOOR EDUCTION
“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, the second-best time is now.” -- African Proverb
