HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003 01 06 Handout by Byron GiltzCity outlines benefits of
Tree Planting Program
at W.P. Tree Acadamy
he city's first Winter Park Tree Academy,
which included an overview of the city's
new tree planting program, was attended
by Winter Park residents and city employees
Oct. 17 at the Winter Park Country Club.
Lee Mackin, City Forester, gave a PowerPoint
presentation, introduced members of his divi-
sion, lectured briefly on the functions of the
Forestry Division and fielded questions from
the audience.
Some of residents' questions included tree
mortality and dying trees, trees that have
become hazardous, and trimming by Florida
Power. Mackin's presentation covered topics
such as explaining the role of the Forestry
Division, its function, services and the benefits
it provides to the residents of Winter Park.
One of the benefits is the city's tree planting
program, which affords all residents the oppor-
tunity of having a tree planted on the right-of-
way, adjacent to a resident's property. The city's
right-of-way in most instances is the green
space located between the sidewalk and curb
adjacent to or in front of the resident's property.
This free program is available year-round
through the Forestry Division. All that is
required by the resident is for them to make the
original request to have a tree planted and to
commit to watering the tree for the first year if
they receive a tree.
The division will respond to their request
to determine whether or not conditions are
favorable to plant a new tree. The types of
trees planted vary from Oaks, Pines, Elms,
Hollies and Crape Myrtles, but are not limited
just to these species.
For more information regarding this
program, please call the Forestry Division at
407-599-3325.
nown throughout the city for his love and knowl-
edge of trees and his willingness to educate resi-
dents about their importance, Lee Mackin, the city's
Chief of Forestry, is one of the city's most dedicated
employees.
In addition to his keen interest in forestry, Lee's com-
mitment to the city
throughout the past
14 years, stems from
what he describes as a
"family-type" work
environment.
Originally from Jun-
ction City, Kan., Lee's
family moved to
Winter Park soon after
his birth, where they
lived for six years.
After moving to and
living a few years in
Nebraska (home of
the Arbor Day Found-
ation), the Mackins moved back to Winter Park.
Lee attended Glenridge Junior High School and gradu-
ated from Winter Park High School. He later studied
architecture at Florida Technological University (now the
University of Central Florida) and business at Valencia
Community College.
While attending college, Lee began working for the city
in 1970 as a maintenance worker in the Forestry Division.
After nine years in that position, he started his own busi-
ness - afull-service, tree-care venture. He operated this
service until 1988.
Lee returned to the city as Chief of the Forestry
Division, a position previously held by Marvin Smiley,
who retired from the city in 1988.
During his 14-year tenure, Lee is most proud of the divi-
sion's efficiency in responding to emergencies, especially
after severe storm activity. He also receives job satisfac-
tion from the continued planting of trees, consulting with
residents, educating youth on the value of trees and their
environmental function.
Under Lee's leadership, the Forestry Division played a
significant role in the city being recognized by the
National Arbor Day Foundation as a recipient of the
foundation's Sterling Community Award. Of the 2,776
Tree City USA Cities throughout the U.S., only 21
received this award.
The City of Winter Park
Page 7
December 2002/January 2003