Media Release

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - Citizens are invited to spend the morning with County Commissioners (both seated and eight former Commissioners) at a tree planting ceremony this Friday.  A Live Oak will be planted in recognition of National Arbor Day, April 30, and in honor of all County Commissioners for their service to the people of Alachua County.  The event is at 9 a.m. in the newly opened Cynthia Moore Chestnut Park and Clark Butler Nature Preserve (2315 SE 35th Street, Gainesville, on SW 35^th Street off Hawthorne Road).

“The Live Oak is a graceful, sturdy tree,” said Sean McLendon, Alachua County Sustainability Program Manager, “and it is these qualities that speak to the durability of our community and the service of those who strive to create respect for people and place."

Seedlings (5” to 7” tall) of Cedar and Bald Cypress trees will be offered to all attendees to plant in celebration of Arbor Day.

The benefits of planting trees include:

• Natural beauty, color and shade for neighborhoods
• Energy savings for homes; trees reduce energy bills between 7%-47% when planted to the west and southwest of buildings  
• Absorption of carbon dioxide and release oxygen to breathe
• Habitat for song birds and wildlife

For more information, contact Sean McLendon at 352-548-3765.