Boone Park South Celebrates 10 Years of Tree Planting: A legacy of growth and community

Pamela Telis (in pink), shared the instructions and updates about Boone Park South, welcoming locals who participated in the activities planned for the morning cleanup, plantings and rally for the park. | Photo: 2022 Resident Archives
Pamela Telis (in pink), shared the instructions and updates about Boone Park South, welcoming locals who participated in the activities planned for the morning cleanup, plantings and rally for the park. | Photo: 2022 Resident Archives
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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.

Avondale resident Ben Moran poses beside his newly-planted tree in 2018.
Avondale resident Ben Moran poses beside his newly-planted tree in 2018.
Both adopted tree and adopter Moran, shown here in 2024, have flourished in the six years since its planting.
Both adopted tree and adopter Moran, shown here in 2024, have flourished in the six years since its planting.

“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.

Dyan and Sam Dickerson with their son Charlie | Photo: 2022 Resident Archives
Dyan and Sam Dickerson with their son Charlie | Photo: 2022 Resident Archives
Sophia and Seth Williams ready for the planting of a Southern Magnolia | Photo: 2022 Resident Archives
Sophia and Seth Williams ready for the planting of a Southern Magnolia | Photo: 2022 Resident Archives

“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.

The Webb family planted a tree in memory of their beloved son Finley Reid Webb, who passed at age 4 from SUDC. They were joined by grandparents Gary and Barb Johnson, Charles, Madeline, mother Emily, Sawyer, and Baton. | Photo: 2022 Resident Archives
The Webb family planted a tree in memory of their beloved son Finley Reid Webb, who passed at age 4 from SUDC. They were joined by grandparents Gary and Barb Johnson, Charles, Madeline, mother Emily, Sawyer, and Baton. | Photo: 2022 Resident Archives

“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].

Tags: Boone Park, Boone Park South, Friends of Boone Park South, Greenscape, JEA, Joe Anderson, Love Boone Park South Day, Pamela Telis


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