Save the Pines fundraiser April 6
A Save the Pines Pot Luck Picnic & Fundraiser will be held from 1-5 p.m., Sunday, April 6, at Fort Zachary Taylor to celebrate the sixth anniversary of the Save Our Pines organization and its successful campaign to stop the destruction of the pine trees at the park. Friends and supporters are all invited to attend. Bring a dish to share with others. Napkins, utensils and water will be provided by Blue Heaven and Salute. Take Southard Street through Truman Annex and follow the signs to the fort.
If you have been to the beach at Fort Taylor Historic State Park, you have experienced the calming murmur of gentle breezes wafting through the tall majestic Australian Pines, still there because of the work of the local non-profit Save Our Pines, Merilee McCoy, Helen Harrison, Ron Saunders and a host of other people who for at least 35 years insisted the State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) not remove the Pines at Fort Zach.
Fort Zach was one of several forts constructed during the 1800s. Completed in 1866, it played an important role in the Civil War and the Spanish American War although there was never a shot fired there. The beach at the park was built in 1964-5 from dredge material resulting from opening the channel into Key West Harbor. A favorite spot for tourists and locals alike, Fort Zach beach is considered the most picturesque on the island.
Friends and supporters may Adopt-A-Pine to help support the annual tracking, pruning and general safety of the pines. The suggested donation is $35 plus $5 for mailing of an adoption certificate. You may pick out the specific tree you wish to adopt and it will be tagged with a numbered metal tag coordinated with the number on your adoption certificate. Contributions can be made directly at the picnic, by writing 825 White St., calling 305-294-0609 or by emailing to [email protected]. Contributions of any amount will be gratefully accepted.
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I think it is absurd, that with today’s knowledge and awareness, we are being asked to support a group whose goal it is to preserve and protect the Australian Pine in a Florida State Park, of all places. This exotic tree is very invasive, and is displacing native species. It is allelopathic, which means it chemically alters the ground surrounding it in such a way as to inhibit the growth of other species of plants. It topples over easily in strong winds. Think of it as the lion fish of the tree family. Just like the split leaf philodendron, it might be pretty to look at, but it is overwhelming our ecosystem. Conservationists and preservationists should be working with the state officials to remove those things from our public spaces.
I do understand the reasons for planting and encouraging their growth years ago, but those reasons are no longer valid in today’s sensitive Keys environment.