On May 1st , over two dozen volunteers planted native trees and shrubs around the RRC’s new teaching pavilion and parking lot. Rick Joyce organized the event, and several local nurseries donated plants for the occasion.

people planting near the RRC sign
Some of the 25 volunteers who showed up on May 1 for planting day at the RRC. Photo by W. Marquardt

Mark Dean of Palmco provided 20 free Paurotis palms, and has agreed to donate coconut palms to restore the historic appearance of the roadway that once led to the citrus packing barn. Soaring Eagle Nursery donated wild tamarinds, satin leafs, and seagrapes. Forestry Resources donated 250 pounds of fertilizer and 100 cubic yards (a semi- trailer load!) of mulch.

All-Native Garden Center donated a red mulberry tree. Deep South Native Nursery donated more than 50 plants and lots of labor. Pine Breeze Nursery also donated plants and labor. In addition to RRC volunteers, staff, and students, we were pleased to see several members of the local chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society.

By the end of the day, more than 250 plants had been installed, fertilized, mulched, and watered. The native vegetation not only looks attractive, but on the long term, it will be easy to maintain. We intend to continue to work at ridding the site of invasive exotic plants, while encouraging natives. Our hope is that visitors to the Randell Research Center will enjoy the native plants and also take the opportunity to learn more about them.

This article was taken from the Friends of the Randell Research Center Newsletter Vol 3, No. 2. June 2004.