Oakland Park, FL (March 14, 2017) -- The City of Oakland Park recently completed its Urban Tree Canopy Planting Project.
Oakland Park’s objective is to increase the overall tree canopy of the City by focusing on planting trees throughout the community to help enhance key corridors:
- N. Dixie Highway from Oakland Park Boulevard to NE 42nd Street
- N. Dixie Highway from NE 56th Street to NE 62nd Street
- NE 43rd Street west from Federal Highway
- Cypress Creek Road from NE 4th Avenue to NE 6th Avenue
- Powerline Road
- Prospect Road.
“The City of Oakland Park is grateful to the US Forest Service, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the Broward County Tree Preservation Trust for partnering on this important beautification project to enhance our environment,” said Oakland Park Mayor John Adornato. “This project represents another important step in our efforts to increase the City’s tree canopy. Studies have shown that the greenery and shade provide a sense of serenity and wellbeing.”
Funding for this project was provided by the USDA Forest Service through the Florida Forest Service’s Urban and Community Forestry Grant Program. Funding from the Florida Urban Community Forestry Grant Program was made available to organizations and municipalities for enhancing urban and community forestry programs. Oakland Park matched receipt of the $15,000 community forestry grant with an additional $15,000 in municipal funds to plant more trees along its corridors.
In addition to the State’s grant program, Oakland Park received a grant in the amount of $40,475 through the Broward County Tree Preservation Trust Funds.
Oakland Park completed an Urban Tree Canopy Study which provided an assessment of the urban forest throughout the community and led to the development of a Tree Planting Plan. The preliminary plan was completed with assistance from the City’s Beautification Advisory Board which serves in an advisory capacity for all City landscaping issues, recommending the placement, planting, and preservation of trees, flowers and shrubbery on public and private properties.
This project entailed the planting of 146 trees representing a wide variety of species, including Verawood, Gumbo Limbo, Slash Pine, Live Oak, Royal Palm, Thatch Palm, Montgomery Palm, Alexander Palm, Orange Geiger, and Wild Tamarind.
“The project allows Oakland Park to provide a visible example of the benefits of an urban forest comprised of native species,” said Mayor Adornato, a strong environmental advocate. “We have significantly expanded the size and scope of the tree canopy along North Dixie Highway and other City corridors.”
The City is extremely grateful for the technical and financial assistance provided by the US Forest Service, Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, and Florida Forest Service.
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