People for Trees, Inc. www.peoplefortrees.com “Save a tree today, and we’ll all breathe a little easier!” Since 1997 “got shade” April/May 2009 Mission Statement: to promote the importance of protecting and maintaining a healthy, native tree canopy! People for Trees, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit group that began in 1997 as a grass-roots effort by citizens concerned about the needless destruction of our tree canopy. Find out what YOU can do to help.

PEOPLE FOR TREES, INC. HAS RECEIVED THE Sarasota County Environmental Education Award (2003) Keep Sarasota County Beautiful Award (2004 & 2005)
Meetings: First Monday of each month (October-May) George D. Mullen Activity Center (located behind City Hall on Sumter Blvd.), 7:00 PM. All are welcome. Refreshments, tree & plant raffle.
People for Trees, Inc. won FIRST PLACE (Organization Category) in the North Port 50th Anniversary Parade, February 28, 2009 A BIG THANKS to the Eco-Kids and Angela Zahn who did the painting!

Read more about the People for Trees ENVIRONMENTAL HERITAGE CENTER, an exciting green project!
See inside for details! Upcoming Events: April 25- “Tree Fair ‘09” – Our 11th Annual tree festival!/ North Port Community Center, Pan American Blvd./10-2. Two trees for only $5 when you attend a TREE WORKSHOP: 10:30/11:30/12:30. Vendors, exhibits, plant and tree sales, refreshments.
May 16- The Annual Florida-Friendly Yards Tour of North Port. $5 each or $10/carload! Tour five yards that are “Florida-friendly”. Begin at 3597 Froude St. and visit any yard between 9-2.
May 9 and May 23- Eco-Boat Tours. Explore the estuaries near Gasparilla Island. PAID advance reservations required. $10/adults, $5 child. Boat leaves from Grande Tours boat dock in Placida (behind the Fishery Restaurant) at 9:00 AM SHARP and returns about two hours later. Send check (payable to People for Trees, Inc.), date preferred , number of adults/children and phone number to 3597 Froude St. North Port 34286.
“Go Green” and Adopt a Tree! Our “Tree-mendous Tree-Planting Blitz 2009 during the month of January” put 50 trees on the campuses of the schools in North Port. Tree donations are still needed and People for Trees will match each $50 donation! Create a lasting legacy---dedicate a tree for a special someone or occasion. Businesses welcome! Trees will have a garden stone acknowledging each donor. (941) 426-9752/ treelady12001@yahoo.co Students at Lamarque Elementary celebrated Florida Arbor Day in a BIG WAY with music, singing, poetry reading, and a dedication of the ten trees that were planted on their campus during the “Tree-mendous Tree-Planting Blitz”. Ms. Ann Ulmer’s students (pictured) created posters and acted as “tree ambassadors” for the special program.
Businesses on tree-lined streets experience increased sales as shoppers will linger longer
Children perform better in school if they are able to spend time in green settings!
Neighbors spend more time outside and have more opportunities to meet one another in areas that have trees!
Crime rates are significantly lower in green communities! >br> Urban areas without trees become “heat islands”, concentrations of concrete and asphalt traps and releases heat during the day and into the night. That’s why it’s hotter in cities than the outlying suburbs!

NATIVE TREES FOR SALE! SPECIAL! 3-gallon trees for sale for only $12! Call for availability (941-426-9752) Trees located at 3597 Froude St. North Port
#1 choice: The Sweetgum. A fast-growing shade tree. Deciduous, beautiful orange leaves in the fall. Southern Red Cedar-evergreen. Great for wildlife and privacy! Florida’s Christmas tree! Southern Magnolia. Slow growing, stately tree. Waxy leaves, beautiful white flowers. Florida Elm. Small leaves, turn a beautiful yellow in the fall. No Dutch Elm disease here. Upward branches Laurel Oak – Similar to a Live Oak, but has smoother bark. Bald Cypress. Deciduous, beautiful orange color in the fall. Can tolerate wet areas very well. Dahoon Holly-Evergreen. Red berries.

The People for Trees, Inc. “Environmental Heritage Center”. People for Trees, Inc. has partnered with the Lemon Bay Conservancy to make this a reality. The LBC is helping us to secure the land and People for Trees would then work to secure funding for the buildings. Right now we’re looking at approximately 62 acres located at the west end of Tropicaire Blvd. (Sarasota County) as a location. This property adjoins the 500 acres (Jordyn Ranch) just acquired by Sarasota County which adjoins the Carlton Reserve. It would provide accessibility for North Port residents to enjoy all of these wonderful land acquisitions. The EHC would be an economic boost for North Port, having the potential to bring residents and tourists in from all over the state and country. This center would first embrace, promote, and preserve the natural heritage of southwest Florida, our unique yet quickly disappearing green environment. The EHC would be “kid-friendly” to encourage children (and adults!) to get in touch with nature. This will be accomplished through interactive displays, exhibits, a tree canopy bridge, learning nature trails, and even a treehouse or two! The EHC would be an EXCITING place to visit!
The buildings would be built using the latest in green technology and be designed in the style of Florida “Cracker-Style” architecture (tin roofs, wrap-around porches), utilizing rain barrels and drought-tolerant landscaping techniques.
An Eco-Kids Club building would be the base for our monthly Eco-Kids Club, summer nature day camps for children and even an after-school care program with nature-based activities to encourage children to reconnect with nature!
The EHC would be the place for our Florida-friendly clinics, workshops, and classes on a regular basis.
The EHC would be the location for our annual tree festival!
Native flora and Florida-friendly landscaping would be showcased in demonstration plots and trails.
A native tree nursery open to the public that would also serve to promote tree stewardship.
The EHC could also contain a prototype “Green Station” (mygreenstation.org) for residents to learn about and get the latest information about recycling and creating a “greener” home.
Help us to make this idea a reality! Adopt an acre starting at $25. You’ll receive membership in the Lemon Bay Conservancy and basic membership in People for Trees, Inc. Contact us at treelady12001@yahoo.com or call Alice White at (941)426-9752 and we’ll send you the form. Makes a great gift!
People for Trees, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit group so donations are ALWAYS tax-deductible! Hey Kids! Join the “Eco-Kids” Club! The Eco-Kids Club meets one Saturday a month and is open to ALL children who want to explore the great outdoors of Florida. A new adventure every month. Programs run September – May, ending with the Eco-Boat Tour (see below). Registration is NOT required. All children must be accompanied by an adult ‘cause you’ll have fun, too! Suggested donation $1.00 per child. All times are 10-12. May 9 and 23- Eco-Boat Tours. PAID advance reservations required for this as seating is limited. $10/adults, $5 child. Seating is limited. Boat leaves from Grande Tours boat dock in Placida at 9:00 AM and anchors near Gasparilla Island so we can explore the estuaries with buckets and scoops! Send reservation information (preferred date and number of adults/children) with phone number and check (payable to People for Trees, Inc.) to 3597 Froude St. North Port 34286. Visit www.peoplefortrees.com for schedule updates. QUICK TREE FACTS >>A well-treed community can save at least $725,000 a year in energy costs! >One tree absorbs 400 gallons of water! >Outside temperatures around trees are reduced by as much as 15 degrees. >Trees increase a home’s property value anywhere from 5-9%. >A shaded roadway’s life will be extended by at least 12%. >Shoppers will spend 15% more in areas that have shade. >Businesses in shaded districts will pay more than 7% in rental rates. >One tree produces $625 in oxygen per year, enough for four people. >One hundred trees capture 250,000 gallons of rainwater. >A 100-foot width of trees can reduce sound by 6-8 decibels. People for Trees, Inc. continues to outreach into the community & beyond!! Scrub Jay Jamboree in Harbor Heights ? Planted a butterfly garden with Girl Scout Troop #258 at St. Paul’s Church ? West Jacaranda Women’s Club ? North Port Community Expo ? Toledo Blade Elementary Earth Day Celebration ? Vineland Elementary School Earth Day “Adopt-a-tree” ? North Port Newcomer’s Day ? Bonita Springs Earth Day ? Participated in the City of North Port’s 50th Anniversary Parade ? Continue to maintain our “Tree Walk” along Tamiami Trail, the Red, White, and Blue Garden at the North Port Library, our Butterfly Garden at the Boys and Girls Club, the trees at five schools and along Salford Blvd. Did you know…… Florida is losing more of its tree canopy than the Amazon Rain Forest? “Knowledge is power” By Alice White, chair An EFFECTIVE tree protection ordinance should require DIRECT compensation and/or replacement trees for trees destroyed for development. This would place a real value on trees and recognize their many benefits in our community such as providing for cleaner air, cooler temperatures (what about those electric bills!), and flood control. North Port’s tree ordinance does NOT require any type of direct replacement or mitigation for trees removed for development. Contact our City Commissioners (commissioners@cityofnorthport.com) (426-8484), and write Letters to the Editor!

People for Trees,Inc. is the tree canopy and environmental advocate in North Port and we have been since 1997. Please consider a membership. For less than $1.00 a month, you can support our programs and efforts to maintain and protect our native tree canopy. Current members: Dues are payable every January. Membership Information Choose your level. All donations are tax-deductible. We are a 501 (c)(3) non-profit group. Fed. ID# 59-3669626 People for Trees, Inc. Officers 2009-2011 Chair: Alice White, Vice-Chair: Linda Massey, Treasurer: Valerie Ollinger, Secretary: Doris Doersam Board of Directors 2007-2009: Shirley Malanowski, Mary Nicol, Allain Hale, Bonita Goldman, Sal & Sue Piazza (___) Pine Needle. $10.00 per household. Renewals and basic member benefits include newsletters, notification of mulch deliveries, workshops, tree discounts. (___)Pine Cone. $20.00 per household. Includes a 3-gallon Florida tree. (___)LongLeaf. $30.00 per household. Includes a Florida-Friendly Landscape consultation and a 3-gallon Florida tree.

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e-mail:______________________________________________/Phone_________________` www.peoplefortrees.com Mail check payable to People for Trees to: 3597 Froude St., North Port Fl 34286 treelady12001@yahoo.com (941) 426-9752

The iris hexagana is a beautiful addition to any Florida yard.

What about that sod??? Are you ready to make the break? On average in Florida, 40-60% of household water usage is attributed to landscapes dominated by turf-grass and exotic (water-guzzling) plants. Watering a 20 x 50 foot area of sod requires about 500-600 gallons of water, about what you¹d use in a week for your own personal needs. The EPA found that running a lawnmower for one hour creates as much air pollution as driving a car for 350 miles! Also, every year more fuel is spilled filling lawn equipment in America than was lost by the Exxon Valdez in Alaska! A grass lawn is a sterile monoculture that supports little life other than fleas, ticks, and mole crickets. ( Information compiled by the University of Florida). But of course, grass is big-business and for this reason community governments (such as here in North Port) seem unable to ³break-away² from insisting that new homes be completely sodded. Mulched areas which can then be filled with drought-tolerant plants by the homeowner should be part of a community¹s landscaping requirement plan.

Here¹s the simplest way to convert grass areas into mulched areas that are ready for planting:

1. DO apply Round-Up to the grass area, being careful not to spray on windy days. Round-Up is NOT a poison, but rather prevents the grass ( and any plant it¹s sprayed on) from feeding so it will eventually die. Or, if you prefer, skip step #1 and go directly to step 2. 2. DO cover grass area to be eliminated with newspapers, about 4-6 layers. 3. DO cover the newspaper with leaves (oak leaves work the best!) and/or pine needles (pine straw). 4. You can then use prepared mulch for a final top layer, or just leave the pine needles and leaves for a really natural look. You DON¹T want to use plastic covering as this will never allow the soil to get better. Your plants will forever be dependent on you supplying fertilizers. You DON¹T want to dig up the sod, as this will: 1)expose weed seeds that had been dormant and 2) allowing the grass to decompose using the steps above will work to make the soil better!

Speaking of mulch---Use Melaleuca Mulch! What¹s a ³melaleuca²? It¹s a tree that was introduced by the Army Corps of Engineers in the early 1920¹s and planted around the edges of the Everglades in order to ³dry out the swamps²! It¹s considered a hazardous tree because of its tendency to blow over during wind storms. Sarasota County prohibits the planting of it. By using Melaleuca mulch, you will not only be helping to eliminate this pest of a tree, but you¹ll NOT be using cypress mulch. What¹s the problem with using cypress mulch? The bald cypress trees of Florida are being harvested at an alarming rate for the sole purpose of mulch. The enormous quantities of cypress mulch being produced are a threat to the very survival of this native tree. Melaleuca mulch is a wonderful, fine mulch and a recent study has determined that of all the available mulch products, termites LEAST like melaleuca! So, for a truly insect-resistant mulch, USE MELALEUCA MULCH! Available at Englewood Landscape Supply (Rt. 776) and Florida Native Plant Nursery (Myakka Rd.Sarasota). For more information, contact ³People for Trees, Inc.² at 426-9752. Do NOT pile mulch around the base of your tree like an anthill. Here¹s the correct way to mulch a tree according to the National Arbor Day Foundation: Environmental News Urban Sprawl When we will we finally say ³enough is enough²? The Arbor Day Foundation (September/October 2000) reported that between 1982 and 1997, developed land grew by 36 percent but the population only grew by 14 percent in this same time period. So ³growth² is not always growth that is needed to accommodate people as the builders and developers would have you believe, but rather it¹s growth to accommodate them! Urbanization of every square inch of land does not have to be accepted and there are more movements across the country that are simply saying, ³enough is enough!² For example, a group called ³Vermont Forum of Sprawl² was formed due to the number of trees that were being lost and replaced with condominiums. People traveling to Vermont expecting to see the spectacular colors when the leaves change in the fall see instead the bland outlines of condos! Sprawl creates congestion, crowds, and destroys diversity. So we either need to develop some alternatives to sprawling or develop a lot more patience and get used to monoculture!

And did you know ... that the average American baby uses 20-25 mature trees worth of disposable diapers before becoming potty-trained? This means that about 20 BILLION diapers ANNUALLY end up in our landfills where they will take 500 years to decompose. Plus, the diapers contain, of course, untreated human waste. UGH! But there¹s hope! According to Audubon Magazine ( March 2003) some 500 families in Santa Clarita California will take part in a diaper-recycling pilot program. Dirty diapers will be turned into plastic,oil filters, roof shingles, and wallpaper! (Visit www.knowaste.com to learn more about this process.) Of course, good ol¹ cloth diapers could be used and eliminate the landfill problem altogether.

Did you know...that the number one killer of trees is due to construction damage?

But believe it or not, trees CAN BE saved during construction!

• Vanessa Carusone (vcarusone@cityofnorthport.com)
• David Garofalo (dgarofalo@cityofnorthport.com)
• Tom Jones (tjones@cityofnorthport.com)
• Michael Treubert (mtreubert@cityofnorthport.com)
• James Blucher (jblucher@cityofnorthport.com)