Planting seeds for students in Lake Nona on Earth Day

  • The slash pine seedlings were donated by Hathaway’s Tree Farm & Landscaping and available through the Florida Forest Service seedling program. PHOTO/COURTESY OF LAKE NONA
    The slash pine seedlings were donated by Hathaway’s Tree Farm & Landscaping and available through the Florida Forest Service seedling program. PHOTO/COURTESY OF LAKE NONA
  • One of the fastest growing and most innovative communities in America, officials said Lake Nona also happens to be one of the most environmentally responsible. PHOTO/COURTESY OF LAKE NONA
    One of the fastest growing and most innovative communities in America, officials said Lake Nona also happens to be one of the most environmentally responsible. PHOTO/COURTESY OF LAKE NONA
  • In addition to Lake Nona, local partners including CEPRA Landscape, Down to Earth, and Landcare Group all contributed time and talents to facilitate the multi-day planting project. PHOTO/COURTESY OF LAKE NONA
    In addition to Lake Nona, local partners including CEPRA Landscape, Down to Earth, and Landcare Group all contributed time and talents to facilitate the multi-day planting project. PHOTO/COURTESY OF LAKE NONA
  • While initially small in size (6 to 8 inches on average), the seedlings are expected to grow quickly in the summer climate and could reach heights of 18 to 24 inches by the end of the season with expectations to double in height in the next year. PHOTO/COURTESY OF LAKE NONA
    While initially small in size (6 to 8 inches on average), the seedlings are expected to grow quickly in the summer climate and could reach heights of 18 to 24 inches by the end of the season with expectations to double in height in the next year. PHOTO/COURTESY OF LAKE NONA
  • Many of the newly planted trees were set along Lake Nona’s 40 miles of trails, numerous lakes, and winding waterways to further enhance the green space. PHOTO/COURTESY OF LAKE NONA
    Many of the newly planted trees were set along Lake Nona’s 40 miles of trails, numerous lakes, and winding waterways to further enhance the green space. PHOTO/COURTESY OF LAKE NONA

In honor of the students in Lake Nona’s four public schools, the community planted more than 6,000 slash pine tree seedlings – one for each student – as part of a multi-day process to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day (April 22) and National Arbor Day (April 24).

The slash pine seedlings were donated by Hathaway’s Tree Farm & Landscaping and available through the Florida Forest Service seedling program. In addition to Lake Nona, local partners including CEPRA Landscape, Down to Earth, and Landcare Group all contributed time and talents to facilitate the multi-day planting project.

Many of the newly planted trees were set along Lake Nona’s 40 miles of trails, numerous lakes, and winding waterways to further enhance the green space.

 While initially small in size (6 to 8 inches on average), the seedlings are expected to grow quickly in the summer climate and could reach heights of 18 to 24 inches by the end of the season with expectations to double in height in the next year. Lake Nona’s horticulture team implements a comprehensive maintenance program to ensure the seedlings thrive in their new home.

While ambitious in scale for one week, Lake Nona’s robust landscaping program will continue to enhance the neighborhood with regular plantings across a wide range of trees, shrubs, and even wildflowers throughout the year across the 17-square-mile community.

One of the fastest growing and most innovative communities in America, officials said Lake Nona also happens to be one of the most environmentally responsible. Lake Nona has reserved more 40 percent of the land as green space, launched an all-electric, autonomous shuttle service, piloted new energy-saving programs and smart window technology, installed electric vehicle charging stations, and encouraged green building principles for residential, office, and commercial projects.