Donate to Mount Dora's Urban Forest
Mount Dora Friends of the Environment
Mount Dora Tree Planting early 1900's.
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Mission Statement
The Mount Dora Friends of the Environment is an all-volunteer nonprofit dedicated to restoring and renewing our community's tree canopy. In partnership with the City of Mount Dora's Urban Forestry Department, we plant, water, and care for trees, enhancing the beauty, health, and sustainability of our city. Through the support of our generous donors, we strive to preserve our tree-lined streets and ensure a vibrant, green future for generations to come. Our Organization: We are an all-volunteer, not-for-profit under the auspices of the Mount Dora Community Trust. We use donations to make grants to facilitate the renewal of the tree canopy throughout the City of Mount Dora. Our Impact: Over the last 30 years the MDFE has sponsored the planting of 900 trees in the city, replacing trees lost to disease, age and storm damage, providing shade and cooling the air. Our Partners: Our mission is to further preserve, protect and promote nature-based resources in our area to enhance the natural beauty of our city and economy. We partner with:
Our History: Coming Soon! A short video about the history of the MDFE. |
Get Involved
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Volunteer OpportunitiesExecutive Board Member -
The current Board of Directors is seeking people who are interested in expanding our community outreach, assist in making policy, executing plans and interfacing with our partners. _______ Tree Stewards - Tasks may include driving the utility watering truck to water trees, tree maintenance, mulching and tree trimming. ______ Event Assistant - Be part of our support team for our annual Arbor Day event. Tasks may include preparation for events, set-up, tear-down, run event errands. _______ Volunteer Details & Form Here |
Become A MemberTo join online please complete the online form below and press submit. Then click the membership level button below to submit your online payment.
Thank you and Welcome! |
To submit the membership form via snail-mail,
download and complete the membership form linked below and mail it and your check to us @ Mount Dora Friends of the Environment PO Box 251 Mount Dora, FL 32756 *Please write, "membership" in memo line. Membership Form. |
All Donations Go to Planting Trees
Thank You for Your Support!
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Public support is vital to the tree programs and projects that make our city a better place to live, work and visit.
These accomplishments are only made possible through the generosity of our: Supporters, Volunteers, and Friends like you! Donations made via mail or online over $100 receive an inscribed item on the Mount Dora City Hall tree mural. Donations flow through the Mount Dora Community Trust, a 501(c)3 not-for profit. For further information and to discuss a donation of any amount, please call Marc Vaughn, MDFE President at 954-593-2686. Marc will be happy to discuss your options. To make your tax deductible donation online, click Here.
Donation Recognition Amounts & Plaques received: $100 COPPER LEAF $250 BRONZE LEAF $500 SILVER LEAF $1,000 GOLD LEAF $2,000 BUTTERFLY $3,500 MEDIUM SIZED BRONZE STONE $5,000 ACORN $7,500 RED APPLE $10,000 LARGE BRONZE STONE $20,000 MINIATURE WALNUT TREE Please note: not all images shown here are of the actual item received. Updates coming soon. |
To make your tax deductible donation, via mail please send your check, of any amount to:
Mount Dora Friends of the Environment PO Box 251 Mount Dora, Florida 32756 with "Donation" in the memo line. **Please be sure to include your name, and email so that we may contact you. Thank you for your donation! 
Copper Leaf - $100
Bronze Leaf - $250 (not actual item)
Silver Leaf - $500
Gold Leaf - $1000
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Butterfly - $2,000
Medium Bronze Stone - $3,500
Acorn - $5,000
Red Apple - $7,500
Large Bronze Stone - $10,000
Miniature Walnut Tree Plaque - $20,000
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Benefit of Trees
Benefit of Trees
Donnelly St., Mount Dora
About the Importance of Trees, Did You Know That . . .
1. Property Values
In one study, 83% of realtors believe that mature trees have a ‘strong or moderate impact’ on the salability of homes listed for under $150,000; on homes over $250,000, this perception increases to 98%. ~ Arbor National Mortgage & American Forests.
2. Energy Savings
Trees properly placed around buildings can reduce air conditioning needs by 30 percent and can save 20–50 percent in energy used for heating. ~USDA Forest Service.
3. Air Quality
One acre of forest absorbs six tons of carbon dioxide and puts out four tons of oxygen. This is enough to meet the annual needs of 18 people. ~U.S. Department of Agriculture.
4. Drainage and Stormwater Mitigation
The planting of trees means improved water quality, resulting in less runoff and erosion. This allows more recharging of the ground water supply. Wooded areas help prevent the transport of sediment and chemicals into streams. ~USDA Forest Service.
5. Health and Quality of Life
In laboratory research, visual exposure to settings with trees has produced significant recovery from stress within five minutes, as indicated by changes in blood pressure and muscle tension. ~Dr. Roger S. Ulrich Texas A&M University.
6. Provide Shelter and Food for Wildlife
Many animals use trees for resting, nesting and places from which to hunt or capture prey.
Animals are able to enjoy delicious fruits and foraging opportunities.
During times of extreme heat or precipitation, animals can seek shade and shelter
under the trees without being away from their food source. ~National Wildlife Federation
7. Traffic Calming
Texas A and M conducted simulation research which found people slow down while driving through a treescape.
In one study, 83% of realtors believe that mature trees have a ‘strong or moderate impact’ on the salability of homes listed for under $150,000; on homes over $250,000, this perception increases to 98%. ~ Arbor National Mortgage & American Forests.
2. Energy Savings
Trees properly placed around buildings can reduce air conditioning needs by 30 percent and can save 20–50 percent in energy used for heating. ~USDA Forest Service.
3. Air Quality
One acre of forest absorbs six tons of carbon dioxide and puts out four tons of oxygen. This is enough to meet the annual needs of 18 people. ~U.S. Department of Agriculture.
4. Drainage and Stormwater Mitigation
The planting of trees means improved water quality, resulting in less runoff and erosion. This allows more recharging of the ground water supply. Wooded areas help prevent the transport of sediment and chemicals into streams. ~USDA Forest Service.
5. Health and Quality of Life
In laboratory research, visual exposure to settings with trees has produced significant recovery from stress within five minutes, as indicated by changes in blood pressure and muscle tension. ~Dr. Roger S. Ulrich Texas A&M University.
6. Provide Shelter and Food for Wildlife
Many animals use trees for resting, nesting and places from which to hunt or capture prey.
Animals are able to enjoy delicious fruits and foraging opportunities.
During times of extreme heat or precipitation, animals can seek shade and shelter
under the trees without being away from their food source. ~National Wildlife Federation
7. Traffic Calming
Texas A and M conducted simulation research which found people slow down while driving through a treescape.
Meet Our Board of Directors
 Marc Vaughn - President
Marc Vaughn
President of MDFE. As the President of the Mount Dora Friends of the Environment (MDFE), Marc oversees multiple aspects of the organization. He is the liaison with the City Arborist and the City Manager and has an active role in the City's Tree Advisory Board (TAB), which involves tree master planning for the city. Marc actively plans tree locations and the coordination of the tree care. Marc is a retired advertising photographer, that shot architecture, lifestyle, video and drone imagery. His family moved to Mount Dora when Marc was six and he recalls walking around barefoot in the summer in endless shade. Marc is committed to the replenishment of the tree canopy that he so fondly remembers.  David Stanley - Vice President
David Stanley is the Mount Dora Friends of the Environment, Vice President for Volunteer Coordination. He handles enrolling new volunteer tree stewards, getting them trained and manages the watering schedule. David also designs and maps the various watering routes. He is a retired former executive of Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, studied in London and lived in the UK for 10 years. He started as a department manager on a cruise ship, and worked his way up to Vice President of Shipboard Revenue operations for RCCL and retired after 32 years with the company. Happily married to Mary, he cares about leaving Mount Dora’s trees and tree canopy healthy and robust for future generations to enjoy.
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