WELCOME TO TREE
The Problem:
The Tampa Bay area faces challenges such as inadequate canopy cover, the need for planting native trees, and preserving local tree species against invasive threats. These issues impact our environment, from diminished air quality and increased urban heat to loss of biodiversity and ecosystem stability. Connecting people with nature becomes increasingly crucial as urbanization expands.
Our Solution:
The TREE Committee brings together individuals passionate about environmental stewardship and community engagement. By planting native trees, fostering connections with nature, and combating invasive species, we aim to regenerate our environment. Our collective efforts not only enhance canopy cover but also promote sustainable practices, ensuring a greener, healthier future for Tampa Bay.
Our mission is to:
Beautify and reforest the Tampa Bay area through the planting of native trees.
Further public awareness about the merits of reforesting public lands.
Further public awareness about the planting and preserving of native and underutilized varieties of desirable trees of special interest.
Work in conjunction with, and support of, other organizations of similar purpose.
Be a clearinghouse of scientific and educational information to the public on the merits of tree species selection for use in the Tampa Bay area
This committee was inspired and brought to existence after T.R.E.E. Inc, a nonprofit organization, dissolved, and its leadership and membership is now under this TREE committee.
Since 1983, T.R.E.E Inc planted over 30,000 trees in the Tampa Bay area, all with the help of local volunteers. Now they share their passion, knowledge, and impact with us!
Why Join TREE Committee?
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Community
Join like-minded individuals in the community and connect, share, and plant trees together.
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Service
Volunteer with us as we plant trees, maintain them, water them, and more!
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Impact
Planting trees leaves a lasting impact on our environment for generations to come!
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Events
Join our special committee events, learning engagements, workshops, and more.
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Early Access
Get early access to sign up for our tree planting events (tend to fill up quickly), and committee only events.
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Discounts
Our community is so generous that we can offer our members discounts and gifts to some local businesses.
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Legacy
Plant a tree, leave a legacy. You are shaping the future, and leaving the planet one tree planted at a time.
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Fun
Come have some fun with us! This committee is meant to be a safe space for all of us to enjoy together.
TREE EXCLUSIVE MEMBERSHIPS
Forest Friend
Your support at this level includes:
Window Cling
Social Media Badges
Access to exclusive members-only events
20% discount on all workshops!
$20 annually or 10 Volunteer Hours
Tree Guardian
Your support at this level includes:
Window Cling
Social Media Badges
Exclusive members-only events
40% discount on all workshops!
One personalized consultation with Ask an Arborist Access
$40 annually or 20 Volunteer Hours
Canopy Champion
Your support at this level includes:
Window Cling
Social Media Badges
Exclusive members-only events
Free Workshops
Ask an Arborist Access
$100 annually
Trees Planted
Hours Volunteered
Pounds of Invasive Plants Removed
TREE Committee Projects
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Gulfport Spur Trail Planting
This project involved planting 11 trees along the Gulfport spur trail, including 3 American Elms and 8 South Florida Slash Pines. The initiative aimed to improve the trail's comfort and sustainability by providing shade and reducing the urban heat effect. We extend our gratitude to all volunteers for their significant contributions to enhancing our community's green spaces.
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Jorgenson Lake Tree Planting
On June 22nd, Take MAR organized a tree planting event at Jorgenson Lake in St. Petersburg. Volunteers planted seven oak and holly trees, along with nearly 70 native wildflowers and pollinator plants. This initiative aimed to enhance local biodiversity, support wildlife, and maintain the scenic beauty of the lake. We appreciate the dedication of all who contributed to this important environmental effort.
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Sila Realty Trust Tree Planting
On April 24th, 14 enthusiastic volunteers from Sila Realty joined Take MAR to plant 63 new trees at the HCC Plant City Campus. Guided by a demonstration from Take MAR Board Member Will Moriaty, the team efficiently planted a diverse array of native wetland trees while learning about the campus’s environmental significance. The day was marked by high energy, hands-on teamwork, and a strong sense of accomplishment as volunteers contributed to enhancing the campus's green spaces.
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Invasive Sword Ferns Removal
On April 17th, volunteers removed 3,400 pounds of invasive sword ferns from Hillsborough Community College’s Plant City campus. This effort, led by Take MAR, Dr. Peter Sleszynski, and TREE board member Will Moriaty, prepared the area for Sila Realty to plant 63 native trees, revitalizing the space and demonstrating the power of community action.
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Nature Preserve Understory Planting
In the heart of Safety Harbor, amidst the sprawling beauty of Folly Farms Nature Preserve, a tale of community spirit and environmental stewardship unfolded on a cloudy morning, March 16th. As the mist lingered in the air, 19 eager volunteers gathered, fueled by a shared passion for nature's bounty and a desire to make a difference.
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Green Thumb Festival 2024
St. Petersburg's Green Thumb Festival, held as an Arbor Day celebration, brought together plant and flower enthusiasts for a vibrant weekend with over 120 vendors. Established on April 11, 1986, at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve by Parks Director Litdell “Dell” Holmes, the event has helped the city maintain its Tree City USA status each year.
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New Heights Elementary School Tree Planting
Building a Foundation of Understanding
Take MAR recently had the pleasure of meeting some of the wonderful students and staff members at New Heights Elementary School. About 40 young students came readily engaged to learn about how ecosystems work and their importance to understanding plant systems. The students were curious about different types of ecosystems, and made the connection on how our Earth is an ecosystem within itself and made up of many other smaller ecosystems.
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Trail Storage Container
Take MAR's recent project transformed a storage container into a vibrant mural, thanks to the support of the St. Petersburg Distillery and artist Leo Gomez. This initiative, part of our broader effort to enhance the Pinellas Trail with over 200 new trees, celebrated community involvement and creativity. The completed mural now stands as a testament to our collective dedication to trail regeneration.
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Florida Arbor Day Planting
On January 20th, Take MAR marked Florida Arbor Day by planting trees at two locations. Volunteers contributed to replanting 10 native trees at the Pinellas Trail and added 7 diverse fruit trees to Deuces Food Forest, enhancing local biodiversity and community green spaces.
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Native Tree Planting (Phase 1)
Together, we planted 140 native trees on the Pinellas Trail!
With your help, Take MAR - More Action for Regeneration planted 140 native trees and shrubs along the Pinellas Trail from 28th Street South to 31st Street South in St. Petersburg, FL.
There were over 65 AMAZING volunteers, from all ages, and different tree planting experiences.
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Native Tree Planting (Phase 2)
Take MAR's Native Tree Planting Project – a trail restoration initiative with a goal focused on Phase 2. Our objective for this phase is to plant trees spanning from 28th Street South to the intersection of 5th Avenue South and 22nd Street South. This undertaking strives to elevate the trail's inherent charm and ecological importance.
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TREE Pinellas Trail Impact Days
Every month we host an impact day out on the Pinellas Trail where we have planted over 250 native trees! We weed, prune, clean, and re-mulch or replant when needed. We also pick up any trash and debris, we water the plants, and together regenerate the Pinellas Trail.
Let's Connect!
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FAQs
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Effective Dec. 31st, 2023 T.R.E.E Inc. will dissolve as a standalone non-profit organization. After serving the Tampa Bay community for over 40 years, the president decided to retire, and at this current time no was was able to take over his role, therefore unanimously voted to dissolve. At Take MAR we believe in T.R.E.E. Inc’s mission, dedication, and work, so we came up with the TREE Committee where the mission remains the same and so do the memberships. We hope you join us!
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If you are a current member of T.R.E.E Inc your membership will carry on to TREE Committee for the remaining part of your membership. Once it expires, you will be asked to renew your membership. If you are a lifetime member, you will continue being a lifetime member!
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You will be a part of the TREE Committee, have access to our online membership platform where we will post new events, plantings, community gatherings, and more!
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We will only transfer your membership once you have given us approval via email. We will be sending / have sent out emails regarding membership and whether or not you would want your membership transferred. If you have not received an email or have any questions please email us at hello@takemar.org