BY ROBIN MIMNA
Lake Helen will host its third annual Arbor Day Tree Giveaway 8-10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, at the Creative Arts Café, 493 S. Lakeview Drive. Lake Helen residents have the opportunity to receive one free tree per household, with proof of residency.
Made possible through the support of local organizations, and volunteers, the giveaway highlights the role trees play in enriching the community and environment.
Zone 1 City Commissioner Heather Rutledge shared her enthusiasm for the event.
“Arbor Day celebrates the importance of trees in our environment. It encourages planting new, native trees. It’s crucial for local biodiversity,” Rutledge said.
This year’s Arbor Day event will offer native and fruiting trees, including Pomegranate Wonderful, Dwarf Cavendish, and Fig Celeste, along with native species like live oaks, rusty lyonia, flatwoods plums, sweet acacia, winged elms and green ash.
Many of these trees were donated or sourced from local farms and groups, including the West Volusia Audubon Society and Friends of Lyonia Environmental Center. The Gems Community Group, along with Jeff and Debbie Ritchey, contributed 100 live oaks, with four 100-gallon live oaks set to be planted in public spaces.
Lake Helen’s Arbor Day follows Florida’s planting season to maximize tree survival in the state’s unique climate. Experts and volunteers will be on-site to advise on tree care and planting.
“Florida’s planting season is different from much of the United States,” Rutledge noted. “Observing Arbor Day in January allows us to plant trees when the conditions are optimal for their growth.”
The event also emphasizes education. Each tree has a QR code with planting and care instructions. Attendees can engage and learn about the importance of urban forestry and native plants.
“We love seeing residents share their tree-planting efforts on social media with the hashtag #LHArborDay,” Rutledge said. “It sparked my hunger to learn more about how native plants and trees impact our local environment.”
This year’s event is possible thanks to many sponsors, including Beery Roofing and Redesign, Duke Energy, the Lake Helen Garden Club, the Lake Helen Lake Committee and Whitehouse Contracting.
Looking ahead, Lake Helen plans to expand its sustainability efforts beyond Arbor Day. Commissioner Rutledge is personally connected to these initiatives. She was inspired by the Lake Helen Lake Committee’s restoration project.
Residents are urged to join the celebration, get a free tree, and help make Lake Helen greener and more sustainable.
“The shade, beauty and ecological benefits these trees provide will have lasting impacts for generations to come,” Rutledge said.
