Roosevelt Wetland Native Tree Planting
On Friday, August 30, the MAR team and a small but mighty group of volunteers gathered at the Roosevelt Wetlands to plant nearly 30 native trees! This site provides critical wetland habitat and serves as a green oasis for both people and wildlife in our community. Thanks to the generous support of Wilcox Nursery, who donated most of the trees, we were able to give these plants a new home where they’ll flourish for years to come.
Why This Work Matters
Wetlands play a vital role in protecting water quality, reducing flooding, and supporting countless species of plants and animals. By planting native trees, we are strengthening this ecosystem, building resilience to climate challenges, and ensuring that the Roosevelt Wetlands remains a thriving natural space for future generations.
The Power of Community Action
This effort wouldn’t have been possible without our 9 dedicated volunteers! Together, we dug, planted, and shared a morning of good company while making a lasting impact. Every tree in the ground is a step toward a healthier, greener tomorrow.
Species planted included:
Species listed from right to left: Green Ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica), Sweetbay Magnolia (Magnolia virginiana), Gumbo Limbo (Bursera simaruba) , Slash Pine (Pinus elliottii), Marlberry (Ardisia escallonioides), Simpson Stopper (Myrcianthes fragrans), Virginia Sweetspire (Itea virginica), Parsley Haw (Crataegus marshallii), Rouge Plant (Rivina humilis), Swamp Dogwood (Cornus foemina), Privet Senna (Senna ligustrina), and Lime Prickly Ash (Zanthoxylum fagara).
A heartfelt thank you to Wilcox Nursery for their generous donation and to each volunteer who made this planting possible. Your dedication helps bring our mission to life.
This tree planting is just one of many ways we’re working together to restore and protect Florida’s natural spaces. Want to join us for our next volunteer opportunity? Sign up for upcoming MAR events and be part of the movement for a greener, healthier community.
Photo Credits (listed in order of appearance)
Gilman, E. F., Watson, D. G., Klein, R. W., Koeser, A. K., Hilbert, D. R., & McLean, D. C. Fraxinus pennsylvanica: Green Ash (ENH425). University of Florida IFAS Extension. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ST266
Gilman, E. F., Watson, D. G., Klein, R. W., Koeser, A. K., Hilbert, D. R., & McLean, D. C. Magnolia virginiana: Sweetbay Magnolia (ENH-543 / ST384). University of Florida IFAS Extension. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ST384
Gilman, E. F., Watson, D. G., Klein, R. W., Koeser, A. K., Hilbert, D. R., & McLean, D. C. Bursera simaruba: Gumbo limbo (ENH263 / ST104). University of Florida IFAS Extension. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ST104
Gilman, E. F., Watson, D. G., Klein, R. W., Koeser, A. K., Hilbert, D. R., & McLean, D. C. Pinus elliottii: Slash Pine (ENH-622 / ST463). University of Florida IFAS Extension. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ST463
Gilman, E. F., Klein, R. W., & Hansen, G. Ardisia escallonioides: Marlberry (FP048). University of Florida IFAS Extension. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FP048
Jenny Evans; UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions. “Simpson’s Stopper (Myrcianthes fragrans).” University of Florida IFAS Extension. https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/trees-and-shrubs/shrubs/simpsons-stopper/
Megan Hansen; UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions. “Sweetspire ‘Henry’s Garnet’ (Itea virginica ‘Henry’s Garnet’).” University of Florida IFAS Extension. https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/trees-and-shrubs/shrubs/sweetspire-henrys-garnet/
Eric Hunt (Eric_in_SF), “Crataegus marshallii” (Parsley Hawthorn), Boyd Park, Little Rock, Arkansas. Image: Crataegus marshallii (1).jpg. Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Crataegus_marshallii_(1).jpg
Volusia County Master Gardener Volunteers. “Rouge Plant (Rivina humilis).” UF/IFAS Extension Volusia County blog, June 24, 2019. https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/volusiaco/2019/06/24/rouge-plant/
University of Florida; “Swamp Dogwood (Cornus foemina)” — UF/IFAS Environmental Horticulture Trees & Power Lines. https://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/treesandpowerlines/cornus_foemina_spring.shtm
Shirley Denton; UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County. “Senna ligustrina: a Native and Host Plant for Sulphur Butterflies.” Posted January 14, 2024. https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/hillsboroughco/2024/01/14/senna-ligustrina-a-native-and-host-plant-for-sulphur-butterflies/
Homer Edward Price. “Lime-Prickly-Ash.” Flickr, uploaded April 13, 2011. Licensed under CC BY 2.0. https://www.flickr.com/photos/28340342@N08/5616667149/
