Native trees replace Australian pines
With the help of a $75,000 grant from the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), projects at Ted Sperling Park at South Lido Beach and North Jetty Park achieved the removal of 30 invasive plants and the planting of native plants to replace them, Sarasota County staff has announced.
The initiative “was made possible with a subrecipient grant through USFS and the recipient agency,” the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), a news release explains.
The Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Department (PRNR) was awarded the funding through the FDACS’ Urban and Community Forestry — Plantings, Preservation and Invasive Control grant program, the release notes. “The grant was facilitated by the Sarasota County Office of Financial Management.”
“It is with gratitude to USFS that Sarasota County was awarded funds to help further the county’s commitment to invasive plant management on county-managed lands and especially within parks,” said Nicole Rissler, director of Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources, in the release.
The funding enabled the PRNR team to expand upon its routine invasive plant management operations, involving the removal of mature Australian pines from the areas, the release says. The undertaking “created additional open and green spaces for park users.”
Additionally, the release points out, more 32 native trees were planted, including Florida slash pines and green buttonwood, gumbo limbo and seagrape trees. “These trees are expected to help mitigate stormwater runoff, protect the fragile coastline, and provide shade for park visitors,” the release continues.
Sarasota County staff is committed to preserving its parks and natural areas, ensuring that they “remain healthy, accessible and welcoming for the community,” the release points out.
For more information about Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources and its programs, visit SarasotaCountyParks.com.