Arbor Day Earth Day Celebrations

In the photo: Commissioners Gregory Davila, Jimmy Weekley and Mary Lou Hoover, KEYS Utility Board member Mona Clark, Mayor Teri Johnston, the extension service’s Brynn Morey, Tree Commission Chairman Misha McRAE, Urban Forester Karen DeMaria, Vice Mayor Sam Kaufman, and Commissioners Clayton Lopez and Billy Wardlow.

As Arbor Day approaches, the City of Key West urges the community to think of the canopy and plant a tree. Just another way to keep Key West beautiful!

Arbor Day is observed nationally to celebrate the role of trees in our lives and promote tree planting and care. The City of Key West has long recognized the importance of its trees and its environment and has been a member of Tree City USA for ten years.

“Creating good partnerships and communication with other organizations is key to building good programs,” said Urban Forester Karen DeMaria during a recent City Commission meeting. “Today we recognize the partnerships between the City of Key West, the Monroe County Extension Service, and Keys Energy Services.

“The Monroe County Extension Service,” she said, “is an important resource and a wealth of information when trying to determine plant species, health issues, how to properly treat those health issues, and how to properly take care of our trees, shrubs, and groundcover.”

In collaboration with the City of Key West and Keys Energy Services, to celebrate the 20th Tree Giveaway, the Monroe County Extension Service will host a Plant It Proper Lunch-and-Learn on Friday, April 22^nd — Earth Day — at noon via Zoom. Participants will learn about how to set trees and plants up for success at the time of planting. Topics will include planting depth, Root correction strategies, plant establishment and watering, and more.

“The philosophy of right tree right place helps to ensure a future canopy of healthy trees,” said DeMaria. “Trees planted on private and public property help with stormwater management, energy conservation, and the economic value of the property.”

The following day, Saturday, April 23^rd is the Keys Energy Services 20^th Tree Giveaway at both its service building locations at 1001 James Street in Key West and at the Blimp Road site on Cudjoe Key. The giveaway is on a first-come, first-serve basis for all Keys Energy customers, who will have their choice of two free native shade trees while supplies last