I ride the Pinellas Trail every day in the Sunshine City. Sometimes it’s to grab a book at Tombolo Books or a bagel from Adieu Glu — or maybe it’s to get over to Anchor Skate Supply for new kicks. This past weekend I made use of the trail to explore all of the new SHINE murals in town. It’s a cyclist’s oasis that spans well over 40 miles with trails, dedicated bridges, and has offshoots to the best beaches in America. One organization, Take MAR, has worked exhaustively to help populate the trail with native trees.

Earlier in 2023, Take MAR and a crew of 60+ volunteers planted 140 native trees and shrubs along the Pinellas Trail from 28th Street South to 31st Street South. The trees planted included: Slash Pines, Cocoplums, Silver Buttonwoods, Yaupon Hollies, Mulberries, Gumbo Limbos, and Yellow Necklace Pods.  

Planting hundreds of native trees on the Pinellas Trail

The next tree-planting event is set for Saturday, October 28 from 9am-1pm. Those interested in volunteering must sign up through Eventbrite and complete the required waiver. If you can’t make it to the event but would like to support this initiative, you can donate to the cause online.

Attendees will meet at the Warehouse Arts District Association – 515 22nd St S. We will be focusing our efforts on the trail segment between 28th Street South and 22nd Street South.

Supporting our local ecosystem

“This undertaking strives to elevate the trail’s inherent charm and ecological importance. By planting over 80 native trees, preserving existing ones, conducting debris cleanup, and fostering community unity, our project aims to make a lasting impact,” writes Tara Hubbard in the organization’s mission statement.

Hubbard continues, “Trees are like nature’s air purifiers – they soak up carbon dioxide and give us fresh oxygen.”

The carefully selected tree species include Gumbo Limbo, Florida Privet, Yaupon Holly, Red Mulberry, South Florida Slash Pine, Live Oak, Mahogany, Cocoplum, and Fire Bush. According to Take MAR, these trees are integral to St. Pete’s local ecosystem’s health and sustainability.

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