Escambia County Plants 43 Trees at Byrneville Park for Community Arboretum

The Escambia County Natural Resources Management Department has planted 43 trees at the Byrneville Community Park in Century, creating a new arboretum for the community to enjoy while learning about the many benefits trees provide.

The arboretum was made possible by a $23,650 Florida Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Grant awarded to Escambia County, and it was developed in partnership with the Northview High School Future Farmers of America chapter.

In addition to the educational opportunities provided by the arboretum, the new trees will enhance the public park area by providing additional shade and aesthetic benefits. FFA forestry competition teams at Northview High School and Ernest Ward Middle School will also use the arboretum to learn more about native species and train for competitions.

"I'm very excited to add this new amenity for my friends in the Byrneville community to enjoy, and I'm especially proud of the educational opportunities it will provide for our dedicated FFA students as they prepare for their competitions," District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry said. "I look forward to seeing these additional trees grow and continue to beautify the area, and I hope residents of District 5 and all of Escambia County will come visit and enjoy this wonderful addition to Byrneville Community Park."

Environmental Technician Kolby Sprague with the Escambia County Natural Resources Management Department said the arboretum provides numerous benefits to the community, especially the opportunity to educate the public about a variety of native trees and their importance.

"Each tree is a different species," Sprague said. "The arboretum provides an opportunity for the Northview FFA forestry team and the community to come out there and see trees that they don't get to see very often, because they don't grow in areas that are easily traversable. We also have plans in the future where we can go out there and teach the community - so there are a lot of opportunities for it."

Sprague said the arboretum also highlights the concept of urban forestry, which emphasizes how a single tree, in an urban setting, can affect erosion, stormwater runoff, energy consumption, air and water pollution, property value, tourism appeal, and physical and mental health for communities.

"Obviously trees provide shade, which is a major benefit," Sprague said. "Another big one is that they help with erosion. Their roots keep the soil intact when it rains, and the canopy helps the rain fall slower so there's not a lot of runoff with sediment going into ditches and rivers. Trees also just help with the overall beauty of an area and increase its value."

The public is encouraged to visit and enjoy the new arboretum, which is free and open to the public from sunrise to sunset. All 43 trees have been planted, and identification signs for each tree will soon be added to the arboretum. Byrneville Community Center and Park is located at 1707 County Road 4A in Century.

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