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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.