Ten Thousand Trees in Ten Years Starts on West Elkcam

Attachments

Establishing an Urban Forest Master Plan for Marco Island | Becky Irwin, Marco Island City Council and David Leaser, Marco Island Beautification Committee.

Marco Island's trees are a vital part of our green infrastructure that provides economic and environmental benefits. We must establish best practices in tree planting, preservation, and maintenance and foster a sense of stewardship among our residents.

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Residents and officials of Marco Island, Florida, gathered on Wednesday, January 11th to celebrate the planting of nearly three dozen trees on West Elkcam Circle. The event was organized by the Marco Island Beautification Advisory Committee in collaboration with the Naples Botanical Garden. The majority of the trees were purchased with private donations from citizens who want to improve the beauty and environment on Marco Island.

The trees, dwarf flowering cassias (Cassia bakeriana), were selected under the advisement of the Naples Botanical Garden. The species was recommended for its ornamental value and suitability to Marco Island, including its wind tolerance, size, low water usage, and non-invasive roots. The trees will provide food and nectar for native butterflies and birds, and the cassias are nitrogen-fixing trees which absorb excess nitrogen in soils, reducing harmful runoff into the waterways.

Isabel Soto, Project of Naples Botanical Garden, said, "These are fast-growing small- to medium-sized trees that will flower from March through May with a display of vibrant, fragrant pink blooms. They are also quite striking when not in bloom." She also mentioned that this species is recommended by the University of Florida (IFAS) to be used as a street tree.

The Marco Island Beautification Advisory Committee has prioritized improving the tree canopy on Marco Island. Studies have shown that trees increase property value, reduce runoff and erosion, mitigate noise, reduce energy costs and lengthen pavement life. Trees also enhance residents' well-being, improve street safety, improve air quality and make outdoor activities and exercise more desirable.

Currently, the tree density on Marco Island is extremely low, with most of the island having only 10% tree coverage. This percentage is lower than the lowest average in neighboring Naples and a fraction of the national average, which is 27%, according to American Forests Tree Equity Score. Many areas lack street trees, suppressing property values and opportunities to provide beauty, environmental and wellness benefits to the community.

With this in mind, the city has developed a "Ten Thousand Trees in Ten Years" initiative for Marco Island. The project was unanimously approved by the City Council to plant 10,000 trees in public spaces on Marco Island, financed through private donations. 

Becky Irwin, City Councilor, said, “At a time when Florida has lost more than 20% of its trees in the last 20 years, Marco Island hopes to set an example as a model for urban forest development and sustainability.”