Roosevelt Wetland Pond Tree Planting: 220 Trees for a Greener Future!
Written by Take MAR
On Saturday, March 29th, Take MAR was proud to partner with Pinellas County for a Tree Planting Event at Roosevelt Wetland Pond. Pinellas County led the planning and provided the trees, while Take MAR helped bring the vision to life by mobilizing volunteers to get the trees into the ground. Together, we made a lasting impact on this beautiful wetland area through teamwork!
A Community Effort: 220 Trees & Plants in the Ground!
Take MAR’s dedicated volunteers showed up eager and ready to dig, plant, and make a difference. Thanks to their enthusiasm (and some well-earned donuts and coffee), we planted an impressive 220 trees!
What Was Planted:
70 Bald Cypress – A staple in wetland ecosystems, providing shade and habitat.
30 Dahoon Holly – A native beauty that supports pollinators and birds.
30 American Elm – Helping restore our urban canopy.
50 South Florida Slash Pine – A resilient species vital for biodiversity.
These trees will have a lasting impact on both the environment and the community. Let’s take a closer look at their importance:
Bald Cypress trees are integral to wetland ecosystems. They help stabilize the soil, reduce erosion, and provide critical habitat for wildlife. Their dense root systems filter water, improving water quality and supporting aquatic life. As these trees mature, they will grow into majestic sentinels that help maintain the wetland’s health and biodiversity.
Dahoon Holly is a native species that plays a key role in supporting local pollinators and wildlife. By providing berries that birds love to feed on, these trees help sustain avian populations. As part of our urban canopy, Dahoon Holly also offers shade and helps cool the environment, which is vital for mitigating the urban heat island effect.
American Elm trees are a significant part of the American landscape, known for their beauty and resilience. These trees are an important addition to our urban forests, helping to restore and expand our tree canopy. Their broad leaves provide vital shade, cooling neighborhoods and reducing energy costs for local residents.
South Florida Slash Pine is a native pine that is crucial for biodiversity in Florida. These trees are adapted to fire-prone environments and are an essential species for maintaining healthy ecosystems. The Slash Pine’s deep roots also help reduce erosion and support the overall health of the soil. Their presence in this area will enhance biodiversity and help stabilize the land.
In total, these trees will not only beautify Roosevelt Wetland Pond, but they will also contribute to cleaner air, improved water quality, increased biodiversity, and provide much-needed shade and habitat for generations to come. Roosevelt wetland is also used for stormwater migration, so the tree planting will enhance water quality before it reaches the Tampa Bay estuary - especially during the rainy season!
Growing Together: Community, Connection, & Conservation
One of the best parts of the day was seeing so many returning volunteers—a true sign of the passion for our shared mission! We also had curious park visitors stop by our tent to learn more about Take MAR and how they can get involved in future events.
As if the day couldn’t have been better, nature gave us a helping hand—a generous rain followed, giving the newly planted trees the perfect start!
A Huge Thank You to Pinellas County & Our Volunteers!
We are grateful to Pinellas County for leading this important initiative and allowing Take MAR to support it by rallying volunteers to help make it happen. Every tree planted brings us closer to our mission of enhancing urban biodiversity, increasing canopy cover, and providing safe, green spaces for our community.
