As many as a third of the large pines had some damage and more than a hundred were lost. Wile most of the damage was to the pines, some of the oak, hickory, dogwood and native plum trees were lost as well. Around the theatre building the wonderfully fragrant Florida anise shrubs with their large evergreen leaves were badly splintered. Wax myrtles along the creek were ripped to shreds. Docents have been on the mob, clearing most of the paths in the Butler Arboretum.
Much more cleanup is needed.
There is an enormous need for extra help in cleaning up after the storm and getting plants that were purchased in the fall into the ground. Volunteers are welcome to join us every Tuesday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. The docents have great camaraderie, and the work load is always manageable when plenty of folks are around to help. Nancy and Dr. Warren Boop are working with Chris Kupper of Landscape Associates to develop the creek flowing under the entrance bridges to the Cabe Festival Theatre. When completed, the creek will feature an attractive series of pools and cascading waterfalls.