By Guest Contributor Kim Clontz
February 8 marks the 10th anniversary of the Friends of Boone Park South’s annual tree planting event, a community-driven effort to replenish and preserve the park’s tree canopy.
This milestone represents not just years of growth, but also a continued commitment to park stewardship and community engagement.
“This anniversary is special,” said Pamela Telis, founder and leader of the nonprofit. “We’ve come a long way from our first planting, and it’s incredible to see how the community has embraced this tradition. Everyone who plants a tree is investing in the park and in future generations.”
A growing legacy
At the first “Love Boone Park South Day” in 2015, volunteers planted more than 50 trees and bushes in the 10-acre section of Boone Park between St. Johns Avenue and Herschel Street.
While many of those initial trees didn’t survive because of drought and storm damage, Telis and her team quickly adapted.
They launched an “adopt-a-tree” program, which further engaged community members to care for their new plantings and ensure they are watered. Since then, more than 120 trees have been planted by volunteers.


“When community members adopt trees, they’re taking ownership of the park’s future,” Telis said. “These trees need love and care, especially in their early years. Seeing people name their trees and watch them grow is so rewarding.”
Once again, Telis will partner with Greenscape, a Jacksonville-based nonprofit dedicated to urban forestry and Jacksonville Energy Authority (JEA), to plant 30 large shade trees, including live oak, swamp chestnut oak, and red maple.
“These trees will take about three to four years to establish themselves,” said Joe Anderson, a JEA forester. “But once they do, they’ll contribute to the park’s canopy for decades, providing shade, beauty, and ecological benefits.”
Volunteers make it happen
Volunteers are needed to adopt trees and commit to watering their tree regularly during its first year.


“This is a community effort,” Telis said. “We need as many hands as possible to make it happen. Whether you’re planting a tree, spreading mulch, or just cheering us on, everyone has a role to play.”
For families like the Murrays, who adopted a tree during a previous event, the experience has been deeply meaningful.
“We walk in the park almost every day,” said Brian Murray. “Planting a tree was our way of giving back to a place we love. Our daughter loves pointing out ‘her tree’ every time we pass it.”
Join the celebration
Telis encourages everyone in the Riverside and Avondale neighborhoods – and beyond – to mark Feb. 8 on their calendars.

“We’re not just planting trees; we’re planting hope and building a stronger community,” Telis said. “Come join us. Let’s make this 10th anniversary the best one yet.”
For more information or to adopt a tree, visit the Friends of Boone Park South Facebook page or contact Pamela Telis at [email protected].