Plant Native Species on Florida Arbor Day

TALLAHASSEE - In celebration of Florida’s Arbor Day, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is encouraging citizens to protect the State’s natural woodlands, hardwood hammocks and mangrove forests by planting native trees like the sabal palm, Florida’s state tree. Late winter is the ideal time for planting native species in the state, making Florida’s Arbor Day several weeks earlier than the national observance.

“By planting native trees on Arbor Day, Floridians are helping control the spread of invasive plant species that could impact our natural environment,” said DEP Secretary Colleen M. Castille. “Trees provide a number of benefits, including wildlife habitat and cleaner air. Participating in Arbor Day allows us to give back to the state’s environment and our local communities.”

Native trees shape Florida’s environment:

• Oxygen – In a growing season, one mature tree can provide the same amount of oxygen as the amount consumed by one adult in a year.
• Habitat – Provide an ecosystem for birds, mammals and other wildlife.
• Clean air – The leafy surfaces of trees trap and filter out ash, dust and pollen particles carried in the air.
• Forest products – Trees provide lumber, paper, mulch, oils, and other products, adding billions of dollars annually to Florida's economy.
• Aesthetic qualities – Trees beautify urban and community areas, such as state parks, forests and preserves.
• Protection – Root systems of trees help filter groundwater, trapping nutrients and other pollutants. Trees also lessen the impact of raindrops on the soil surface and prevent sediment from eroding into rivers and streams.

Created by Julius Sterling Morton, Arbor Day was first celebrated in Nebraska in 1872. The idea quickly spread to neighboring states and is now recognized in countries worldwide. In 1970, President Richard Nixon proclaimed the last Friday in April as National Arbor Day, and all 50 states participate in Arbor Day celebrations. The Florida Legislature in 1945 designated the third Friday in January as the state’s Arbor Day.

Florida is home to a number of invasive trees including the Australian pine, chinaberry and Brazilian pepper. Invasive, non-native plants inhabit almost 15 percent of Florida’s public conservation lands and waterways, decreasing native biodiversity and affecting an eco-tourism economy valued at more than $7.8 billion annually. Throughout the past five years, Governor Jeb Bush has tasked a multi-agency team with researching, preventing and eradicating invasive species in Florida.

For more information about Florida’s environment, visit www.floridadep.org.