Volunteers sought to join Keep Lake Beautiful in planting 1,000 Bald Cypress trees at Lake Apopka
MOUNT DORA — Keep Lake Beautiful, in partnership with the St. Johns River Water Management District and Cherry Lake Tree Farm, is seeking 50 volunteers to help plant 1,000 Bald Cypress trees at Lake Apopka’s north shore.
The event will be held from 8 a.m.–noon on Saturday, June 25 at the St. Johns River Water Management District Lake Apopka Field Station, located at 25633 County Road 448A in Mount Dora.
Participants will plant the trees, donated by Cherry Lake Tree Farm in Groveland, at one of four pre-selected areas bordering Lake Apopka. Volunteers should bring water, sunscreen and insect repellent, and should wear comfortable long pants and shoes that are able to be exposed to mud and the environmental elements. Children must be middle school-aged or older, and accompanied by an adult chaperone. Pre-registration is required online at http://cherrylake.com/1000trees/.
One of the most diverse ecosystems in North America, the north shore of Lake Apopka is a 20,000-acre conservation and restoration area and is home to over 360 types of birds. The Bald Cypress tree is a keystone species in the regional ecosystem, and is one of the tallest and longest living trees in the Southeast.
“We are thrilled to participate in this event as part of Keep America Beautiful’s Great American Cleanup, which builds a sense of community pride and stewardship,” said Brian Sheahan, Lake County Community & Compliance Director, who oversees Keep Lake Beautiful. “With the help of our partners, sponsors and volunteers, planting these trees will offer environmental benefits for generations to come.”
The mission of Keep Lake Beautiful is “To beautify Lake County by engaging our community.” Since its launch in 2015, Keep Lake Beautiful has hosted or partnered on more than a dozen projects including community and waterway cleanups, roadside litter pickups, neighborhood and school beautification events, tree plantings and household hazardous waste drop-offs.
For more information about Keep Lake Beautiful and to sign up for future community events, visit www.lakecountyfl.gov/KLB or call 352-343-9639.