Ten Thousand Trees Initiative Kicks Off on West Elkcam Circle in Marco Island

On Wednesday, January 11, 2023 members of the City’s Beautification  Advisory Committee, local residents, City staff, and representatives from the Naples Botanical  Gardens met on West Elkcam Circle to plant a tree to kick off the Ten Thousand Trees pilot  program. In January 2022, Councilor Becky Irwin presented the concept to City Council and  requested that the Beautification Advisory Committee research and develop the program. The  members of the Committee led by David Leaser then presented the initiative to City Council in  July 2022 and the Council approved a one-year pilot project to be undertaken in coordination  with the Naples Botanical Gardens.  

The first plantings were done by Affordable Landscaping through donations from community  members. The Naples Botantical Gardens advised on the best trees to plant, and City staff  worked with the Beautification Committee to select the location. In total nearly three dozen  cassia trees were planted along West Elkcam Circle. If residents or visitors are interested in  donating to the Ten Thousand Trees program, please contact the City’s Public Works  department at dwint@cityofmarcoisland.com.  

Pictures of Wednesday’s planting are attached to this release.