\n\t\t\t\t\t22 April, 2026\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tOrange County Government Public Information Officer
\nEmail: PIO@ocfl.net\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/26.01_OC-Logo-V-Color.png\"){kind=logo}
Orange County, FL \u2013 Orange County today announced plans to plant hundreds of native trees countywide over the next several years as part of OC Loves Trees, a new initiative designed to inspire an appreciation for trees and expand the County\u2019s urban canopy.<\/p>\n
In celebration of Arbor Day, the County will officially launch the program with a tree-planting ceremony at 3:30 p.m. on April 24 at Great Oaks Village, located at 1718 E. Michigan Street in Orlando. Great Oaks Village, Florida\u2019s oldest and largest foster care group home, reflects the program\u2019s spirit with its motto: \u201cFrom Small Acorns Grows Great Oaks.\u201d<\/p>\n
Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings will headline a series of speakers, including Tanya Wilson, Director of the County\u2019s Planning, Environmental, and Development Services Department, and Venerria Thomas, Director of the County\u2019s Community and Family Services Department.<\/p>\n
Orange County is funding tree plantings through revenue generated by mitigation provisions in its updated Arbor Ordinance, implemented in 2024. The ordinance provides better protection to trees during development and prioritizes adding new trees to the County\u2019s urban canopy.<\/p>\n
Under the ordinance, developers must preserve mature, ecologically significant trees on-site, replant more trees than they remove, or contribute to a fund used by the County to plant trees in public spaces and neighborhoods.<\/p>\n
As part of OC Loves Trees, the County will also educate the public about the benefits of trees, including shade, cooler neighborhoods, improved air quality, reduced energy costs, and enhanced wildlife habitat.<\/p>\n
Learn more about OC Loves Trees: https:\/\/ocfl.box.com\/s\/gkvjfeq0m7rg31tp8n4w2lzr2drcrdg7<\/a><\/p>\n Media interested in attending the April 24, 2026, event at Great Oaks Village, please RSVP to: PIO@OCFL.net<\/a>.<\/p>\n About Orange County Government:\u00a0Orange County Government strives to serve its residents and guests with integrity, honesty, fairness and professionalism. Located in Central Florida, Orange County includes 13 municipalities and is home to world-famous theme parks, one of the nation\u2019s largest convention centers and a thriving life science research park. Seven elected members make up the Board of County Commissioners, including the Mayor, who is elected countywide. For more information, please visit\u00a0www.OCFL.net<\/a>\u00a0or go to\u00a0Orange County Government\u2019s social media channels<\/a>.<\/p>\n