Sunshine, Soil, and Stewardship: A Day with Sila Realty Trust
Written by Take MAR
On Thursday, April 24th, 2025, Take MAR partnered with Sila Realty Trust to host a vibrant native planting event at the USF Botanical Gardens on the Tampa campus. Beginning at 9:00 AM under clear skies and the sound of upbeat music, volunteers from Sila Realty came ready to dig in and make a difference.
Together, we planted over 400 native plants and three trees, each dedicated in honor of others. These additions will support Florida's essential pollinators — including bees, butterflies, moths, and dragonflies — while adding bursts of color and life to the gardens. Throughout the morning, pollinators buzzed all around us, and even a lucky ladybug graced a few participants with a visit!
Planting native species is critical to Take MAR’s mission. Native plants are uniquely adapted to the local environment — requiring less water, providing natural food sources, and offering vital habitat to native wildlife. By choosing native, we protect and restore Florida’s ecosystems, ensuring resilience and beauty for generations to come.
After the planting, volunteers refueled with a Chick-fil-A lunch, along with refreshing lemonade, sweet tea, and a water bottle refill station to stay hydrated. To recognize their ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship, Sila Realty was awarded our Environmental Champions Certificate for completing their second planting event with Take MAR!
A huge thank you to Sila Realty Trust for sponsoring this event and to the USF Botanical Gardens for hosting and supporting our efforts. We’re so grateful for everyone who got their hands in the dirt to help create a healthier, more vibrant future!
Native Plant Species Planted and Their Ecological Importance:
American Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) – Supports wildlife with fruit loved by deer, squirrels, and birds.
Aquatic Milkweed (Asclepias perennis) – Monarch butterfly host plant.
Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) – Monarch caterpillar host and pollinator magnet.
Azure Blue Sage (Salvia azurea) – Drought-tolerant; attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Blue Mistflower (Conoclinium coelestinum) – Critical nectar source for migrating Monarchs and Queens.
Dotted Horsemint (Monarda punctata) – Fragrant blooms that attract pollinators and hummingbirds.
Florida Paintbrush (Jacquemontia pentanthos) – Bright flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
Greeneyes (Berlandiera subacaulis) – Bright flowers attract bees and butterflies.
Green Ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica) - A fast-growing tree valued for its shade, erosion control, and support of local wildlife.
Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) – Shelter for small mammals and seeds for birds.
Loblolly Bay (Gordonia lasianthus) – Nectar for pollinators and shelter for wildlife.
Maryland Golden-Aster (Chrysopsis mariana) – Nectar-rich flowers for late-season pollinators.
Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) – Supports pollinators; winter habitat for birds.
Pineland Dropseed (Sporobolus junceus) – Seeds feed birds; grass provides cover.
Pineland Lantana (Lantana depressa) – Continuous blooms for pollinators year-round.
Prairie Coneflower (Rudbeckia fulgida) – Bright nectar source for bees and butterflies.
Simmonds' Aster (Symphyotrichum simmondsii) – Late-season nectar for pollinators.
Slender Goldenrod (Solidagoes glauca) – Vital nectar source for pollinators late in the year.
Smallflower Paw Paw (Asimina parviflora) – Supports Zebra swallowtail butterflies..
Splitbeard Bluestem (Andropogon ternarius) – Seed producer and shelter for small wildlife.
Stokes Aster (Stokesia laevis) - A vibrant, long-blooming perennial that thrives in sunny gardens and attracts pollinators.
Vanillaleaf (Carphephorus odoratissimus) - A fragrant, drought-tolerant plant that attracts pollinators.
Wild Pennyroyal (Piloblephis rigida) – Aromatic herb that draws bees and butterflies.
Wiregrass (Aristida stricta): A drought-tolerant native grass known for its resilience and role in supporting wildlife.
Interested in sponsoring a planting? Click below to email us for more information!
