Florida Forest Service: The Trials And Joys Of Trees
January 31, 2021
|submitted by the Florida Forest Service|
Trees often are low on priority lists – unless you had tree damage as a result of Hurricane Sally. However, you might be surprised to learn that trees played a beneficial, if somewhat behind the scenes, role for good this year and every year. And celebrating the good, while not ignoring potential problems, is important when making decisions involving trees.
Often trees are disparaged, especially after a severe storm. Many trees fell during Sally, causing costly clean up and often significant damage. Some trees were damaged: causing hazardous conditions, opportunities for the tree disease and insect infestation, or simply aesthetically unpleasant disfigurement. Even without storms, trees require care, can interfere with utilities and foundations, and require extra clean up certain times of year. Yet, healthy well-maintained trees might reduce wind speeds and damage for property underneath or on the leeward (downwind) side of trees. Trees also significantly reduce erosion and absorb stormwater.
Trees often give more than they take. Many studies have been done on the effects of green space on a person’s well-being, including lowering blood pressure, speeding up recovery times, and lessening depression and anxiety. Other social benefits include lowering crime rates, increasing property values, creating beauty and space for recreation and relaxation, and lowering cooling bills. They provide habitat for birds and other wildlife. We haven’t even begun to mention the material benefits such as fruit, nuts, wood, and the 5,000 plus commercial products made from trees (wood, roots, leaves, and saps).
So, celebrate trees this year! Winter is a great time to improve existing trees and to plant new ones. Florida Arbor Day is celebrated the on the third Friday in January – January 15, 2021. National Arbor Day is the last Friday in April. While you might not be able to attend a public event, you still can get out and celebrate trees. Below are some ideas.
Existing Trees
- Care for storm damaged trees.
- Contact an arborist for evaluation of potential hazards
- Properly prune out broken limbs to create a smooth surface
- Some trees may not be able to be successfully treated and need removal
- o Most trees will recover, but might need time and/or multiple treatments
- Learn about proper pruning techniques to take care of smaller trees yourself
- When hiring a professional is required, hire a reputable company with a certified arborist on staff. Ensure the company has both Personal and Property Damage Liability Insurance and Worker’s Compensation Insurance. Arborists certified by the International Society of Arboriculture can be found at http://www.isa-arbor.com/findanarborist/arboristsearch.aspx.
- Take care of tree roots. Don’t compact the soil by parking or piling things in the root zone. Use caution when applying any chemicals (fertilizer, herbicide, pesticides) to the soil or lawn. Read the label to ensure it will not harm your tree.
New Plantings
- • Decide what species of tree is right for you, considering the soil type, size of opening, climate, and eventual size of tree.
- • Plant the tree at the right depth, not too deep or too shallow.
- • Keep it simple. Soil amendments, fertilizers, and staking are usually unnecessary, especially for small native trees.
- • Mulch lightly over the root zone, but not against the trunk.
- • Water regularly until the tree is established. (Three gallons per inch of tree diameter weekly – applied slowly at the root ball)
Celebrate!
- Take a photo of your favorite tree to post on social media. Tag the Florida Forest Service!
- Take a hike in the woods or a nearby park.
- Have a picnic with friends or family by a tree.
- Be grateful for your tree and its benefits.
- Teach a child about trees. There are many activities that can be used. Check out Project Learning Tree Activities for Families – Project Learning Tree (plt.org) or the Arbor Day Foundation www.ArborDay.org for a few ideas.
- Plant a new tree.
For more information on the benefits of trees, visit healthytreeshealthylives.org or www.vibrantcitieslab.com.
Pensacola MESS Hall Distributing Science Kits To Schools Thanks To IP Foundation, Ascend Cares
January 24, 2021
The Pensacola MESS Hall is distributing free Kits for Classrooms to provide elementary teachers with engaging, hands on science lessons for their students, thanks to help from two local organizations.
Two different kits, one focused on the science of light and the other focused on the science of water, target learners in 3rd and 4th grade. Both kits will be provided for free to twenty-five local high need schools thanks to generous support from Ascend Cares Community Impact Grant and International Paper Foundation.
Each kit contains the instructions and materials for fifty or more students to explore and discover. The kits are designed to be used for many years to come.
In a typical year, thousands of young learners would visit the MESS Hall on school field trips, including many who might never have the chance to visit the MESS Hall otherwise. With the loss of field trips from the pandemic, the MESS Hall is eager to inspire curiosity about science by delivering these kits to teachers. As teachers have had to adjust their lessons to accommodate social distancing, providing materials for all students becomes even more important.
Schools interested in receiving one of the limited sponsored kits or purchasing one for their students should contact the MESS Hall at info@pensacolamesshall.org or by calling 877-YES-MESS (937-6377).
Pictured: Volunteers sort materials for Pensacola MESS Hall Kits for Classrooms. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Arbor Day Tree Giveaway In Molino, Art Contest Announced
January 10, 2021
UF IFAS Extension and the Escambia County Natural Resources Department will hold a drive-through tree giveaway from 9 to 11 a.m., or until supplies last, on Saturday, January 23.
The event will be held at the Escambia County 4-H Camp and Livestock Facility located at 5701 Highway 99 in Molino. The giveaway begins promptly at 9 a.m., and attendees will need to follow instructions from volunteers related to entry and route. To keep everyone healthy, attendees will be asked to stay in their vehicles and wear a mask when approached by volunteers. Each vehicle will receive two free native 1 gallon trees. Species available include overcup oak, willow oak, sweetgum and Savannah holly.
Participants and anyone interested in tree care are encouraged to watch a free online seminar at noon on January 21 entitled, “Tree Planting: More than Digging a Hole,” to learn proper tree planting and care techniques. The presentation will go over the types of trees being given away, as well. Registration for the webinar can be found at: https://ufl.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_0gfLeX5SRpGCvJmbD_Qo0w
Arbor Day Mail Art Contest
Escambia County Extension will also host their 4th annual Arbor Day Mail Art Contest this year. To participate, mail a drawing, painting, photograph or mixed media artwork with the theme, “Renew, Regrow, and Reforest” to Arbor Day Art Contest c/o Escambia County Extension, 3740 Stefani Road, Cantonment, FL 32533. Please include your name, age, and contact information on the back of your artwork. Contest entries must arrive by mail or be dropped off by January 25.
First place winners of the art contest will receive prizes including a seven-gallon tree, a shovel and a tree book. Second place winners will receive a tree book and third place winners will receive gardening supplies. Categories include children (12-under), teen (13-18) and adult (over 18). Winners will be announced via Facebook Live on January 29, and prizes given out by appointment. Resource Management Services provided support for the art contest.
Ransom Middle School Names Students Of The Month
January 4, 2021
Ransom Middle School recently named their December Students of the Month. They are CeCe Campbell and Tristan Whitson. Photos for NorthEscambia.com. click to enlarge.
New Educational Born Learning Trail For Kids Is Now Open In Century
December 27, 2020
A new interactive Born Learning Trail for kids at Showalter Park in Century is now open.
The Born Learning Trail, a United Way Worldwide initiative since 2005, is a series of 10 signs with activities painted on a park trail that offer fun, interactive learning activities for young children and their families. It helps parents, caregivers, and communities create quality engagement opportunities when out on a stroll or while playing at a park.
The Born Learning Trail in Century is the second of five that will be in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. The first opened in Jay during the summer, and three more will be announced.
The Century Born Learning Trail is a partnership between the Early Learning Coalition of Escambia County, International Paper, the Town of Century, and United Way of West Florida.
To visit the Born Learning Trail in Century, head to Showalter Park off East Hecker Road. Drive north around the baseball and softball fields and follow the road past the cemetery. The trail begins in portion of the paved trail that is under the trees. For a Google map, click here. The park is open daily from sunrise until sunset.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Northview High NJROTC Orienteering Team Earns Bid To National Championship
December 27, 2020
The Northview High School NJROTC Orienteering Team has earned a repeat trip to the NJROTC National Orienteering Championship.
Cadet Commanding Officer David Lamb, the three-time defending Area 8 varsity champion, was unable to attend the event. The other Northview team members stepped up to the plate and ran hard for their missing teammate, according to Chief Jeffrey Simpkins.
Orienteering involves navigation with a map and compass with a goal of getting from point to point in the fastest time possible.
TEAM AWARDS
- Third place Overall Varsity course:
- John Bashore
- Jonathan McCarthy
- Skylar Wise
- Antoni Weaver
- Ethan Kilburn
- Third place Overall Junior Varsity course:
- Michael Cody
- Dallon Rackard
- Erich Amerson
- Garret Bodiker
- Drake Driskell
INDIVIDUAL AWARDS
- John Bashore 3rd place Varsity course
- Michael Cody 4th place Junior Varsity course
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Navy Federal Employees Surprise USO Northwest Florida With Recovery Donation
December 25, 2020
Navy Federal Credit Union surprised USO Northwest Florida with an over $8,000 donation to support Hurricane Sally recovery efforts. The funds were raised by Navy Federal employees through a printer reduction program, and will especially help in rebuilding the USO location at NAS Pensacola which suffered severe damage from the storm.
Some 85% of Navy Federal’s team in Pensacola has been working from home since early March at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and continue to do so today. The credit union’s Administrative Services team saw an opportunity, one that would cut back on desktop printers not being used and give back to the local military community.
“We’re always looking for ways to do what’s right by our members, our community and our employees,” said Keith Hoskins, senior vice president of Greater Pensacola for Navy Federal Credit Union. “This project did just that. In an effort to reduce the amount of desktop printers not being used on campus, we launched a project where employees were given the opportunity to purchase a printer at a discounted cost.”
In a matter of four weeks, all printers were sold and the project raised over $8,000 for USO Northwest Florida.
“We’re thrilled with the results of this project but even more so honored to be able to help USO Northwest Florida continue its mission to serve the military and their families,” said Hoskins. “The comfort they bring to our service members, whether it be serving meals over the holidays or welcoming new families as they make NAS Pensacola home, is truly unmatched.”
USO Northwest Florida serves 400,000 military service members per year through support and programs such as creating care packages for deployed loved ones, virtual family reading programs, networking groups for spouses, home cooked meals around the holidays and more.
“USO Northwest Florida is honored to serve those who serve this country day in and day out,” said Dana Cervantes, Executive Director of USO Northwest Florida. “We would not be able to do what we do without the support from our amazing community partners and dedicated volunteers. We are truly grateful for this wonderful donation from our friends at Navy Federal Credit Union and applaud them for their continuous support of our service members.”
Navy Federal Gives The Gift Of Christmas To 120 Local Families
December 23, 2020
Navy Federal Credit Union team members put on their Santa hats to give the gift of Christmas to a record 120 local families in need. The spirit of giving supports Project Neighbors, the credit union’s 17th annual employee-driven holiday giving program.
“Our team looks forward to Project Neighbors every year,” said Sonya Cain, assistant supervisor at Navy Federal. “It’s our way to give back together and support the communities where we live and serve. This year especially, with the pandemic and Hurricane Sally, many families need the extra help.”
Sonya and the team adopted the Jones family, which included a recently widowed mother, Amanda, and her two children who lost their father to a massive heart attack in October. Amanda’s wish list, like many of the other families, asked for standard household items, toys and clothes for the children. Her major need was a new set of tires. Sonya and her team got to shopping, using their own personal funds, to cross off the items on the list.
When the Navy Federal team showed up to the Jones home to deliver the gifts, Amanda and her children were smiling from ear to ear. They had no idea of the surprise in store for them.
“One thing I love about our community is how we care for each other,” said Sonya. “When I called Vannoy’s Tires and told them about Amanda’s need for new tires, there was no hesitation in making it happen.”
Clayton Vannoy, regional manager of Vannoy’s Tires, shared the happy news with Amanda and tears came to her eyes.
“Since losing my husband, I’ve had to hit the ground running and haven’t processed it all,” said Amanda. “This is a true blessing. I can’t say thank you enough for caring for my family.”
Families selected for Project Neighbors were identified in partnership with teachers across Escambia and Santa Rosa County school districts.
In addition to the Project Neighbors program, Navy Federal’s Pensacola team also gave back this holiday season through gathering toys and donating $2,000 to the local Toys for Tots program lead by the United States Marine Corps.
Jim Allen Elementary Names Students Of The Month
December 21, 2020
Jim Allen Elementary School has named their Students of the Month. They are Trenton Hetherington (pictured left) and Kaitlyn Stefanko. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Beulah Christmas Parade Held Sunday
December 21, 2020
Santa Claus was the star attraction in the Beulah Christmas Parade Sunday afternoon.
The parade rolled from the Escambia Equestrian Center and traveled through Beulah, including down Mobile Highway, Nine Mile Road and Beulah Road.
Mrs. Claus, the Grinch, Rudolph, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Beulah Fire Department and others took part in the parade.
Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
