| LAKELAND AWARDED URBAN FORESTRY GRANT FOR PLANTING TREES IN CEMETERIES |
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LAKELAND, FL (September, 12, 2006) The City of Lakeland was recently awarded a $112,000 Urban Forestry grant to plant 181 new trees at Oak Hill, Roselawn, and Lakeview Cemeteries. The grant also provided for the removal of 73 trees that were damaged by hurricanes Charley, Frances and Jeanne.
Bill Tinsley, Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Lakeland said, This grant provides the necessary funds to replace the trees that were damaged by the hurricanes. He added, The City of Lakeland is dedicated to protecting and preserving City trees with a comprehensive, well-planned urban forestry maintenance program.
This project was made possible through the state of Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services-Division of Forestry. The trees removed were predominately Laurel Oak and Cherry Laurel. They were replaced with more wind resistant species like Southern Magnolia, Live Oak, Crape Myrtle and Sycamore. A total of 181 new trees were planted.
Urban and community trees are vital parts of America's infrastructure and essential to the well-being of human health and welfare. Through the use of a properly designed, high quality planting and maintenance program, communities will benefit from cooler summer air, cleaner air and water, quieter streets, peaceful neighborhoods, healthy and productive local economies, and overall improved and expanded urban environments for all Americans.
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