Governor Crist Celebrates Arbor Day with Tree Planting
~ Red crape myrtle planted in Tallahassee’s Liberty Park~
TALLAHASSEE – Governor Charlie Crist today joined Florida Girl
Scouts to plant a red crape myrtle in celebration of National Arbor
Day. The tree was planted in Liberty Park, outside the House Office
Building.
“From the sabal palms lining our sandy white beaches, to the
tall, green pine forests of the Panhandle, much of Florida’s natural
beauty can be attributed to our trees,” said Governor Crist. “In
addition to being an important source of oxygen, planting new trees
remains one of the least expensive, most effective means of drawing
excess carbon emissions from the atmosphere.”
Florida legislators and members of the Florida Nursery, Growers &
Landscape Association were also in attendance for the annual tree
planting.
Florida’s trees play a vital role in the state’s economy. During
the 2007-2008 fiscal year, more than 20.7 million people visited
Florida’s 161 state parks, contributing more than $1 billion to
Florida’s economy and generating more than 20,000 jobs. The
renewable resource also adds billions of dollars annually to
Florida's economy by providing lumber, paper, mulch, oils and other
products.
Arbor Day is a nationally-celebrated observance that encourages
tree planting and care. National Arbor Day was founded by J.
Sterling Morton in 1872, and is celebrated on the last Friday in
April.
