Orange County, Florida - Orange County Mayor Richard T. Crotty’s ReNEW program, along with Orange County Cooperative Extension, will host six Adopt-A-Tree events during 2008. The trees are free to all Orange County citizens and are designed to encourage residents to add trees to our environment. Adding trees to the landscape has many long-term benefits. Along with the obvious advantages of shade and beauty, trees provide oxygen, filter pollution, and create habitats for wildlife. Adding trees also replenishes lost canopy due to storm damage, age, and development. And of course, pride of ownership, a sense of accomplishment and increased real estate property value are added perks.

Orange County residents who want to participate need to register upon arrival at a Streetscape Adopt-a-Tree event and provide proof of Orange County residency, such as a driver license, photo I.D., or utility bill. No pre-registration is necessary at an Adopt-a-Tree event. Trees will be distributed on a first come, first served basis. Arrive early.

Participants must attend a 15 minute educational session on how to plant and care for their new trees before receiving up to two 5-gallon trees per household. Depending on availability, which is subject to change, trees include Live Oak, Sand Live Oak, Southern Magnolia, Red Maple, and Bald Cypress. Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer landscape questions. Adopt-a-Tree events begin at 8 a.m., and last until noon, or until all the available trees have found a home.

• Feb. 2 ~ Bear Creek Park ~ 1600 Bear Crossing Drive, Orlando, FL 32824
• Apr 19 ~ Barnett Park ~ 4801 W. Colonial Dr. Orlando FL 32808
• Jun 21 ~ Jay Blanchard Park ~ 2451 N. Dean Rd. Orlando, FL 32817
• Aug 16 ~ Clarcona Horseman’s Park ~ 3535 Damon Rd Apopka, FL 32703
• Oct 18 ~ Tibet Butler Preserve ~ 8777 County Rd 535 Orlando, FL 32836
• Dec. 6 ~ Bithlo Community Park ~ 18501 Washington St Orlando, FL 32820
  

Located at 2350 East Michigan Street, Orlando, the Orange County Cooperative Extension Office can be contacted Monday through Friday at 407-254-9200 for more information. Funding for this initiative is courtesy of the Orange County Cooperative Extension, and the County’s ReNEW Program (Residents & Neighborhoods Empowered to Win).

Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) : Florida Native tree available for adoption