Volunteers wanted for tree-planting events hosted by the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast on Oct. 25 and Oct. 26

Supplies to be provided at Myakka Headwaters Preserve

Photo courtesy Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast

In accord with its campaign to plant 20,000 trees as part of its 20th anniversary celebration, the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast is inviting the public to participate in two events at the nonprofit’s 432-acre Myakka Headwaters Preserve.

On the mornings of Friday, Oct. 25, and Saturday, Oct. 26, more tree planting is planned, a news release says. “All required supplies will be provided,” along with a complimentary picnic lunch, the release adds.

“With the help of dedicated volunteers and community partners,” the not-for-profit land trust already has planted more than 10,000 trees in Southwest Florida, the release points out. Made possible by funding from the Arbor Day Foundation and the Partnership for Gulf Coast Land Conservation (PCGLC), that number “reflects a tremendous increase” over the Conservation Foundation’s prior anual plantings “and denotes an incredible increase in capacity,” resulting from significant investments made by both the organization and its partners, the release adds.

“The impact of planting trees extends far beyond the numbers,” noted Lee Amos, the Foundation’s land stewardship manager, in the release. “Tree planting is a catalyst for growth and change,” Amos continued. “Through this initiative, we deepened our connections to our conservation community and increased our capacity for tree planting from the ground up. We are thankful to the Arbor Day Foundation and PGCLC for their investment in our community, our region, and our world!” Amos said.

“Planting trees helps combat climate change, cools the environment, supports biodiversity, improves soil health, and provides a variety of economic and social benefits,” the release points out. When planted along river shorelines — as the majority of the trees were, through this campaign were — the roots stabilize soil and prevent erosion. “The trees also shade the water, cooling its overall temperature. Cooler water temperatures are more conducive to the health of aquatic natural communities because they can support a greater diversity of plants and animals, and the risk of harmful algal blooms is reduced,” the release continues.

“Planting trees along shorelines also increases habitat diversity, providing food and shelter to a broad range of animals both in and out of the water,” the release says. “Different species play different roles in the natural processes that influence water quality, and diversity is crucial for maintaining a balanced, healthy ecosystem,” the release explains. “Healthy ecosystems with a variety of plants and animals are more productive, more resilient, and better able to withstand environmental stresses.”

Over the past 18 months, the release notes, the Conservation Foundation acquired the necessary tools, trained staff and volunteers, and practiced and improved its procedures and logistics to leverage available resources and increase its impact. “Pop ash, longleaf pine, and nine other Florida native tree species were planted within local four nature preserves,” including the Conservation Foundation’s Myakka Headwaters Preserve, Upper Myakka Preserve, and Pine Island Preserve, as well as Manatee County’s Duette Preserve, the release says. Conservation Foundation leaders note that “Manatee County was a significant partner in the initiative” and thanks county leadership “for planting thousands of trees in Duette Preserve.”

The Conservation Foundation “aspires to further increase its pace and capacity over the next several years, resulting in a significant impact on water quality, wildlife habitat, and climate resiliency,” the release adds.

For more information about the upcoming volunteer planting events or to sign up to participate in them, visit conservationfoundation.com/volunteer.

Leave a Comment