Planting a Tree to Celebrate National Arbor Day

On April 25, 2025, a bridalveil tree (Caesalpinia granadillo) was planted at Calusa Park to honor National Arbor Day, recognizing the importance of trees. Members of Marco’s Beautification Advisory Committee (BAC) celebrated the event, which occurs on the last Friday of April.

According to Mike Cory of the BAC, bridalveil is a wonderful shade tree; they have evergreen leaves, and in the summer and fall, it is decorated with showy yellow blossoms. The bark is quite striking, peeling off in thin strips, showing an unusual green and grey mottling. They are good for medians and along sidewalks. Their height can be from 25 to 30 feet, with a canopy spread of about 25-35 feet. Cory added, “We would like to thank Andrew Kirlin, who provided guidance on the tree we are planting, selected it, and transported it to Marco Island from Homestead, Florida. We also would like to thank Al Benarroch of Affordable Landscaping for preparing the site and planting the tree for us.”

In addition, Cory shared that “one of the goals of the BAC is to plant more trees on Marco Island. Our tree cover is very low compared to other cities of our size in Florida. Due to donations, we recently helped to have trees planted in Mackle Park. We have plans to plant trees on Heathwood and Swallow later this year and are working to select where we can add more trees.”

The mission of the National Arbor Day Foundation is to inspire people to plant and nurture trees. Cory also read the Proclamation from the City of Marco Island recognizing April 25, 2025, and marking the 153rd anniversary of National Arbor Day.