In 2016 and 2017, Hurricanes Matthew and Irma resulted in the loss of over 100 live oak, palm and pine trees at New Smyrna Golf Club and 10 trees at Riverside Park. Since then, an additional 40 pine trees have been lost due to “shakes” suffered by the separation of vital plant tissue that leads to death and invites colonization by pine beetles.

Last January, the U.S. Forestry Service awarded a $16,140 grant to the city to replace trees lost during recent hurricanes. Given the great expense involved in any hurricane clean up effort, this was a most welcome piece of news.

The city of New Smyrna Beach has since used the grant to purchase 88 trees, irrigation bags and tree stakes for support through the initial growing period.

Last July, City Parks Division staff successfully re-planted 80 live oaks, cypress and southern red cedars at the Golf Club and the remaining eight at Riverside Park. As a certified Tree City USA and Monarch City USA operating under newly approved tree protection requirements and hot on the heels of a 152-acre land preservation acquisition along Turnbull Creek, we are proud to continue our sincere commitment to protecting the natural elements of New Smyrna Beach.

Thanks to this grant, trees will continue to play a significant role in improving the quality of our public parks, facilities and open spaces.