Cost: FREE

Grab your walking shoes and join us at Mead Botanical Garden as we sip and stroll on a guided tour of 21 tree species desirable for Florida yards, followed by an interactive panel discussion with local policy and botanical experts on ways to “green up” Winter Park. Enjoy Yaupon Tea tasting provided by Rise Yaupon, plus wine and lite bites, as you learn about selection, planting and care tips for your own residential landscape.

With 47 tracts in the heart of Winter Park, Mead Botanical Garden (MBG) provides visitors with a unique opportunity to interact with nature in a way rarely experienced in an urban setting. MBG volunteers will serve as guides on our “Tree Time” tours, with experts posted at major locations. Tours will be conducted between 5:15-6:15 p.m. and will start every 10 minutes. Participants will learn about the unique characteristics of each tree; the type of soil, moisture level and light conditions it prefers, as well as the wildlife it supports. For those who choose not to participate in the walking tour, a slide show featuring the trees highlighted on the tour with names and a brief text will run in the Azalea Lodge.

At 6:30 p.m. our panel will begin. The panel is moderated by Dr. Leslie Poole, author and assistant professor of environmental studies at Rollins College. Panelists are Mayor of Winter Park, Sheila Deciccio; Josh Nye, certified arborist and Winter Park Urban Forestry Director; and Catherine Bowman, botanist, ecologist, and past state president of Florida Native Plant Society. The discussion will focus on the challenges facing urban areas as they strive to protect/expand their tree canopies and green spaces. Participants are encouraged to bring their questions and ideas.

Please join us for what promises to be an evening filled with information, interaction with nature, and rousing discussion applicable to all Central Florida residents.

“Tree Time” is sponsored by Mead Botanical Garden Inc. and the Winter Park Land Trust, both non-profit, independent 501(c)3 organizations. The Land Trust’s mission is to plan, finance and manage the acquisition of land and interests in lands to be used for the creation, expansion and improvement of parkland and green space within and adjacent to Winter Park. MBG Inc. partners with the City of Winter Park to program, improve and care for Mead Botanical Garden.