Fort Myers Beach To Plant Gumbo Limbo Tree for Florida Arbor Day

Fort Myers Beach will mark Florida Arbor Day with a tree planting on Friday, Jan. 16, at Bay Oaks Recreation Center. A Gumbo Limbo tree will go into the ground that morning.

The Gumbo Limbo is the town's official tree. It has red, peeling bark and photosynthesizes through its bark. That makes it perfect for Florida's coast, where it thrives in salty air and sandy soil.

"The planting will honor Florida's unique environment, native species, and commitment to preserving local flora and fauna," said Abigail Eberhart, public information officer for the town, in an announcement, according to Fort Myers Beach Observer and Bulletin.

Workers will give out saplings to property owners who attend. These free young trees might get people to plant on their own land and help the environment over time.

The event shows how the town wants to protect plants and animals that belong here. It's about taking care of what grows in this place.

People can park at the Bay Oaks Pool and Recreation Center. Anyone wanting more information can call Eberhart at 239-313-1542.