Adopt-A-Pine Program

The concerned citizens of Key West Florida, backed by a Resolution of the City Council of Key West together with a companion Resolution of the Monroe County Board of Commissioners, sought to save the majestic Australian Pines at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park from their imminent eradication. We quickly sought support from our elected officials.

Our State Representative, Ron Saunders, after making site visits and reviewing all pertinent legislation, and having discussions with all interested parties, based on points outlined by Save Our Pines, took up our cause. He forged a mutually beneficial Memorandum of Understanding with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection saving the currently existing pines.

Today a healthy stand of 750 trees shade us from the sun while providing shelter and nourishment for myriad native and migrating birds, butterflies, and other creatures. A plan has been adopted for the perpetual care of these trees to insure they will stand for future generations to enjoy, nature providing.

We are fortunate to have the able assistance of the most eminent arborists, birders, naturalists, volunteers, attorneys, technical advisors, and friends near and wide actively involved in the work of this organization.

Save Our Pines, a licensed and registered not-for-profit organization, having spearheaded this effort, now ask for financial support to offset the cost of preserving this natural treasure.

The “ADOPT A PINE” program provides an opportunity for interested families to adopt a particular tree for a nominal tax-free contribution similar to what might be spent on an addition to your garden or a cut holiday tree.

We ask that you consider adopting a tree as a show of support, or as a holiday gift for a loved one.

Goals
• ensure the survival of the Pines
• promote interest in and support of the Park

Please use the attached map to Adopt-A-Pine: You May

• Please select 3 trees in order of preference, in the event that the first or second tree have been adopted, by finding an identification number on a small metal plate located near eye level, and entering the number on the linked PDF form (return to us);

Or
• find an “Area: A,B,C,D, or E” on the attached map and return the form. Since pines are being adopted all the time, we suggest that you select several specific trees. We will then select a specific tree (or trees if you specify) and confirm to you the identification via email. The adoption is a minimum of $35 per tree.

PLEASE NOTE: At this time, SAVE OUR PINES a 501(c)(3) is seeking donations in order to sustain its coordination and communication effort, and to implement the ADOPT-A-PINE Program. Expenses include staff services for coordination and communication, supplies and printing, website maintenance, annual non-profit fees, hiring forestry consultant for periodic inspection of the pines.

Three Ways to Adopt:

• Snail Mail to: SAVE OUR PINES, 825 White St., Key West, FL 33040.

Indicate either Pine number or Area letter. If a gift, indicate name of recipient.

• Stop by 825 White Street weekdays between 12 & 5 or call 305-294-0609.

• Use the convenient Pay Pal option provided here. In the "special instructions to merchant" indicate either Pine number or Area letter and if a gift, the name of the recipient.

• Minimum Fee is $35. If you are in Key West, stop by and pick up your framed certificate at 825 White Street and save the $5 shipping charge.