Beach named as Tree City USA community
Fort Myers Beach was recognized by the nonprofit Arbor Day Foundation as a Tree City USA community for its commitment to urban forestry. The Southwest Florida town has earned this national designation for 5 years.
The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service.
Fort Myers Beach has met the four standards to become a Tree City USA community.
Tree City USA communities must have a tree board or department, a tree-care
ordinance, a comprehensive community forestry program, and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.
“We commend Fort Myers Beach’s elected officials, volunteers and its citizens for
providing vital care for its urban forest,” said John Rosenow, chief executive and founder of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Trees provide numerous environmental, economical and health benefits to millions of people each day, and we applaud communities that make planting and caring for trees a top priority.”
Communities that earn Tree City USA recognition not only have taken the time to meet the four standards, they know that trees:
• Promote healthier communities by filtering the air we breathe by removing
dust and other particles.
• Moderate climate, conserve water and provide vital habitat for wildlife.
• Reduce the heat island effect in urban areas caused by pavement and
buildings.
• Increase property values and reduce energy use and add beauty to our homes
and neighborhoods.
More information about Tree City USA can be found at www.arborday.org/TreeCityUSA.
Town to sell trees at Arbor Day celebration
The Town of Fort Myers Beach and the Estero Island Garden Club will be celebrating Arbor Day on Fort Myers Beach, beginning with a Proclamation reading at the new grounds at the Mound House at 289 Connecticut St. on Friday, April 29, at 2 p.m. Purchased trees will then be distributed to residents who have placed their orders.
The 2011 Arbor Day Proclamation was read first at the Town Council meeting on April 4. Mayor Kiker proclaimed Friday, April 29th, 2011 an Arbor Day celebration on Fort Myers Beach.
This year, the following half-priced trees (the Town pays the other half) in 7-gallon containers will be available for purchase from now until April 22:
– Foxtail Palms ($16.50);
– Christmas Palms ($16.50);
– Orange Geiger ($20);
– Crape Myrtle ($17.50).
Estero Island residents are still able to place their tree orders with the Town. Call 765-0202 (ext. 139) for your orders. Check the website for pictures and more information on these trees at www.fortmyersbeachfl.gov. Click on Arbor Day for detailed information on each of the tree choices.