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Mark Westfal

 Arborist/Urban Forester

Mark Westfal

 Arborist/Urban Forester

Prez Bruce started out the meeting on a proud note - he reported on the delivery of donated books by his daughter Courtney  - donated at her Bat Mitzvah - to Family Central.  Even cooler was that Courtney and Dad accompanied Barbara Weinstein to the Family Central facility on Sistrunk Boulevard where the books were delivered, badly needed and much appreciated.  Dad was understandably proud.

It was our newest member's responsibility to arrange a speaker, and Terry Glynn did a great job.  The speaker was Mark Westfal, current environmental coordinator and city forester for the city of Coral Springs.

Mark is in his seventy year in the city and reported that the city has purchased 66 acres of land which will be set aside for preservation and conservation in perpetuity.  One such location is Sandy Ridge Sanctuary off or Cardinal Road where there is a habitat of the gopher tortoise, an endangered species.  He also reported that part of his responsibility is to arrange for the eradication of non-native vegetation that has no local control mechanisms that allow these plants and trees to grow uncontrolled and take over native plants.

He also indicated that Hurricane Wilma caused massive vegetation loss, 60%  of the tree loss was due to improper tree care.  A booklet about tree care and proper tree choice was created by the city and has won several awards.

The city has an active tree planting program - 3,000 per year is the target.  It has been exceeded each year.

New Member Terry Speaker responsibility person

Deer in the headlights? New Prez Bruce