SPL LIVING
Taking Root
Located on the property of Lakeview Presbyterian Church, the majestic Abe Winters Live Oak supports children learning to climb
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54 StPeteLifeMag.com March/April 2020
PHOTO/PATHFINDER OUTDOOR EDUCTION
Trees Have Never Been More Important
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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.
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.
The City of St. Petersburg has been committed to increasing the
canopy in our parks, aided by Parks and Recreation’s Gift Tree
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.
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
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Pinellas County Extension Service to SWFWMD (Southwest Florida
Water Management District).
Planning Ahead
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BY CATHY HARRELSON
“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago,
the second-best time is now.” -- African Proverb
/StPeteLifeMag.com
