This season has brought overwhelming grief as we witness the destruction of communities, lives, homes and trees. The impact of these drastic changes has been difficult to endure. While we rest in our grief, we can look for ways to restore our communities in more resilient ways.
The loss of older tree canopies, particularly laurel and water oaks, provide us with an opportunity to rebuild our canopies with wind-resistant and native trees. I would like to invite our community to share ideas for replanting our canopies.
During my training as a Master Gardener in Alachua County, I had the opportunity to tour the UF tree farm, which specializes in testing trees for wind resistance. Here’s a link to a list of trees that can withstand hurricanes. We have an opportunity to prepare for Florida’s prime planting season this fall and winter. I encourage you to join us in creating an event to showcase our resilience.
Our Santa Fe River is committed to encouraging Aquifer-Friendly landscaping, emphasizing native trees that are well-suited to our climate and require no irrigation. Please reach out to me if you are interested in participating in rebuilding a better and stronger canopy.
OSFR President Joanne Tremblay
joanne.tremblay@oursantaferiver.org
“Giving Our River A Voice”
Not even Live Oaks withstand a tornado as I just had then through the roof.
Removing stumps of Laurels and making native pollinator garden or more likely Deer buffet