The City of Port St. Lucie was recently ranked the fifth fastest-growing city in America by the U.S. Census Bureau, and the population isn’t the only thing growing. The city recently scored a $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service’s Urban and Community Forestry Program to greenify the city with new trees.
Over the next four years, 700 native trees will be planted along transportation corridors, at key development sites, and on private property. “The grant focuses on areas of greatest need to expand the tree canopy and provide increased access to nature,” says Shereese Snagg, project coordinator for Urban Beautification for the City of Port St. Lucie.
The trees will not only add beauty and provide shade, but they will also help reduce carbon emissions, dampen urban noise, cool temperatures, and provide habitat for animals. Snagg says they will be planting a mix of flowering trees and bushes including native oaks, the species most requested by residents.
To water and help maintain the trees, five members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County will serve as “urban forestry youth apprentices” every summer, learning about project management, procurement, tracking, tree species selection, planting, and tree growth along the way.
Facebook Comments