The Town of Fort Myers Beach will celebrate Florida Arbor Day with a ceremonial tree planting on Friday, January 16 at Bay Oaks Recreation Center. The event will take place in the morning with the planting of a Gumbo Limbo tree, the town’s official tree.
The planting “will honor Florida’s unique environment, native species, and commitment to preserving local flora and fauna,” Fort Myers Beach Public Information Officer Abigail Eberhart said in an announcement.
The Gumbo Limbo tree is known for its red, peeling bark and “its unique photosynthetic process that occurs through its bark, making it especially well adapted to Florida’s coastal environment,” the town’s announcement stated.
“The tree planting reflects the Town’s commitment to environmental stewardship, sustainability, and the protection of native landscapes that define Fort Myers Beach,” the town’s announcement said.
In addition to the ceremonial planting, the Town will distribute sapling trees to Fort Myers Beach property owners to encourage local tree planting and long-term environmental stewardship.
Parking for the event will be available at the Bay Oaks Pool and Recreation Center.
Florida Arbor Day is observed on the third Friday in January and recognizes the importance of trees in protecting wildlife, improving air and water quality, reducing erosion, and strengthening communities.
