Press Release 23-01 Ten Thousand Trees

(January 12, 2023) On Wednesday, January 11, 2023 members of the City’s Beautification Advisory Committee, local residents, City staff, and representatives from the Naples Botanical Gardens met on West Elkcam Circle to plant a tree to kick off the Ten Thousand Trees pilot program. In January 2022, Councilor Becky Irwin presented the concept to City Council and requested that the Beautification Advisory Committee research and develop the program. The members of the Committee led by David Leaser then presented the initiative to City Council in July 2022 and the Council approved a one-year pilot project to be undertaken in coordination with the Naples Botanical Gardens.

The first plantings were done by Affordable Landscaping through donations from community members. The Naples Botantical Gardens advised on the best trees to plant, and City staff worked with the Beautification Committee to select the location. In total nearly three dozen cassia trees were planted along West Elkcam Circle. If residents or visitors are interested in donating to the Ten Thousand Trees program, please contact the City’s Public Works department at dwint@cityofmarcoisland.com.

Pictures of Wednesday’s planting are attached to this release.

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