The City of Mount Dora and
Friends of Mount Dora Environment (FMDE) Partner to Expand Urban Tree Canopy
MOUNT DORA, Fla. (October 31, 2024) –
The City of Mount Dora, in partnership with the Mount Dora Friends of the Environment, Inc. (MDFE), has started a new urban forestry initiative to expand and protect the city’s historic tree canopy.
For over 30 years, MDFE has led efforts to plant and maintain trees throughout the city, resulting in over 800 new trees funded through private donations and memorial contributions.
Now, with a new three-year $40,000 grant from MDFE and $200,000 allocated in the City
tree bank, this initiative will revitalize the tree canopy and involve the community in preserving Mount Dora’s green heritage.
The City of Mount Dora has been an official Tree City USA for more than 35 years, enhancing urban
forestry and creating sustainable green spaces. City staff play a vital role in the partnership, actively
planting, pruning, and assisting with the irrigation of new trees. City Arborist Mark Miller, who leads the
Urban Forest Program, is focusing on replacing aged laurel oaks on public lands where many trees have
reached the end of their life cycle and have become vulnerable to hurricanes.
The City of Mount Dora, in partnership with the Mount Dora Friends of the Environment, Inc. (MDFE), has started a new urban forestry initiative to expand and protect the city’s historic tree canopy.
For over 30 years, MDFE has led efforts to plant and maintain trees throughout the city, resulting in over 800 new trees funded through private donations and memorial contributions.
Now, with a new three-year $40,000 grant from MDFE and $200,000 allocated in the City
tree bank, this initiative will revitalize the tree canopy and involve the community in preserving Mount Dora’s green heritage.
The City of Mount Dora has been an official Tree City USA for more than 35 years, enhancing urban
forestry and creating sustainable green spaces. City staff play a vital role in the partnership, actively
planting, pruning, and assisting with the irrigation of new trees. City Arborist Mark Miller, who leads the
Urban Forest Program, is focusing on replacing aged laurel oaks on public lands where many trees have
reached the end of their life cycle and have become vulnerable to hurricanes.
This planting initiative has been made possible thanks to both
volunteer “Tree Stewards” who water the newly planted trees,
and committed donors who help fund our new canopy.
G3 Development and the Guenther family are among the generous supporters of this mission.
“The tree canopy is one thing that makes Mount Dora ‘someplace special," said Gerry Guenther.
“I look forward to my grandchildren enjoying a healthy urban forest that enriches both the environment and local economy.”
With the expansion of tree planting, MDFE is recruiting more volunteers to help water the newly planted
trees, which require almost daily care to ensure their survival. The City’s Neighborhood Tree Program also
invites residents to apply for a free tree to be planted on their property, provided they commit to its care
and watering.
For more information on how to volunteer or support the Mount Dora Friends of the Environment, visit
MountDoraEnvironment.org (contact or membership pages).
volunteer “Tree Stewards” who water the newly planted trees,
and committed donors who help fund our new canopy.
G3 Development and the Guenther family are among the generous supporters of this mission.
“The tree canopy is one thing that makes Mount Dora ‘someplace special," said Gerry Guenther.
“I look forward to my grandchildren enjoying a healthy urban forest that enriches both the environment and local economy.”
With the expansion of tree planting, MDFE is recruiting more volunteers to help water the newly planted
trees, which require almost daily care to ensure their survival. The City’s Neighborhood Tree Program also
invites residents to apply for a free tree to be planted on their property, provided they commit to its care
and watering.
For more information on how to volunteer or support the Mount Dora Friends of the Environment, visit
MountDoraEnvironment.org (contact or membership pages).