The purpose of the Urban Forest project is to grow hundreds, ultimately thousands of trees and understory plants to provide food and shelter for wildlife; thermal cooling; carbon sequestration; oxygen generation; stormwater filtration and absorption; and other benefits for Venice, Florida. In its initiation, the project received the FUFC “Outstanding Urban Forestry Project” achievement award in 2020. The principles of community, planning, and nature were the foundation for each phase of the project.
Phase 1 – Groundbreaking May 2018; completed in March of 2020.
Phase 2 – Major invasive removal and native plantings; completion March 2021 following Hurricane Ian.
Phase 3 – Major removal of concrete debris and more. Hurricanes- Helene 9/25/24 and Milton 10/10/2024. Replanting restoration completed in November 2026; weed and mulch management progressing.
Grand Opening of the Venice Urban Forest – Fall of 2026.
The Urban Forest is an integral element of the City of Venice’s 1926 urban design, introduced by noted American landscape architect John Nolen. This greenbelt corridor complements Nolen’s design principles. The Venice Area Beautification, Inc. (VABI) resolves to “create an Urban Forest oasis for all generations to enjoy!” The project area was once an early 1900’s railroad trail. Over time, it had become debris-filled and covered with invasive species. Commencement began with environmentally sound planning and design. Reestablishing habitat with only native Florida trees, shrubs, and understory provided a forest habitat specifically designed for our native wildlife and migratory species.
As part of the development of the Venice Urban Forest, plant species were chosen relevant to soil, other site conditions, and previously known flora, to provide both food and shelter for variant species, especially birds and ground animals. More than 5,000 trees have been reforested, and nearly 20,000 understory plants have been installed. Following severe damage from multiple hurricanes and tropical events, participants have been moving forward, raising and righting trees, performing necessary removals, and reinstalling native plants. The trees within the forest have exhibited their resilient character – reminders of nature’s ability to respond to natural events.
The insect population has grown in accordance with the plant installations. Butterflies like the Gulf Fritillary, Southern White, Monarch, and Queen have increased. Dragonflies, Florida native honeybees, moth species, wasps, and hornet species are abundant. Predatory bird species hunt frequently for food.
With the reforestation of this abandoned railroad corridor, an “Oasis,” as John Nolen described, is enriching the community for generations to come. The forest attracts photographers, birders, both eBird and Audubon, plein-air painters, entomology fans, gardeners, and community members eager to learn more about the environment. Future forest goals include education, research opportunities, on-site science and forestry trips, clinical internships for high school or college students, as well as sharing development possibilities with other communities. In addition, research studies with on-site cameras allow for wildlife observations, verification, and data collection. Other opportunities include geo mapping for hikers and foresters, birding events with Audubon guides, and photography walks for visitors. Participation in the iNaturalist Bio Blitz program – evaluating and uploading sighted animals, insects, and plants – has produced hundreds of records from our visitors. The urban forest project includes our participation in Florida Greenways and Trails, a boost to eco-tourism, the designation as a Bird hotspot, and the Tree City USA program. Environmentally sound planning and forest design created peace and quiet in an urban environment.
We, at the Venice Urban Forest, are grateful to our Florida Community for their support, their time, energy, sponsorships, funding, and direction that has helped to make this vision come true. Local support has afforded our community the chance to re-establish native species and enhance possibilities for a natural spread of native plants versus the spread of invasive plants.
VABI and Sarasota County established an agreement for “Urban Forest Services” to maintain the Urban Forest as a unique community conservation/restoration project, a linear forest of more than 34 acres, within a city.
Early community partners and local in-kind donors included the Sarasota County staff, the City of Venice Public Works, and local community businesses. Since its start, additional community businesses have joined as in-kind donors with help in building the forest.
Volunteers working in the urban forest bring together private citizens and community organizations, the Venice Middle and High School students and baseball team, and the Venice Young Marines.
A leading volunteer started a “Pennies for Plants” in-school project. Children collected pennies to purchase plants and trees to be planted in the Venice Urban Forest. They collected $416 in pennies!
The Venice Audubon Society has been very active in the development of the urban forest, conducting bird surveys since November 2018, annotating 104 species as of this date, and suggesting various trees to support bird species diversification.
The Venice plein air artists have been painting the urban forest. Their paintings reflect the growth of the forest, one year to the next. A “Giving Challenge” offers opportunities for community donors to support our Urban Forest. It’s amazing how the forest has grown.
Recognitions:
- The Gulf Coast Community Foundation generously provided matching grants.
- William G. and Marie Selby Foundation, a matching grant.
- The Kathleen K. Catlin Estate Charitable Trust.
- Kathleen D. Baylis Fund/Community Foundation of Sarasota County, Inc.
- Venice Audubon Society.
- The Patterson Foundation -The Giving Challenge.
- The Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast partners with the Venice Area Beautification, Inc. (VABI) to promote the urban forest.
- Florida Native Plant Society
- Florida’s fabulous flora has been encouraged by Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Sweet Bay Nursery, and Florida Native Plants Nursery.
- Community Support includes William Jervey, Bill Farnsworth, Strayer Surveyors, JT Holland, Deans Land Clearing, Shipps Excavating, Simply Trees, H&H Signs, McKeithen Growers, Sweet Bay Nursery, Jacob Gilliam Tree Services, All American Purification, Lake Brothers Treatment, Prion Photography, and Lowes.
- Gratitude to the Florida Urban Forestry Council (FUFC) for the 2020 Outstanding Project award, which recognized our efforts in the creation of the Venice Urban Forest.
