FNGLA members participate in ceremony as Red Crape Myrtle planted in Tallahassee's Liberty Park

On Friday, Governor Charlie Crist joined Florida Girl Scouts and Florida Nursery, Growers & Landscape Association members to plant a red crape myrtle in celebration of National Arbor Day. The tree was planted in Liberty Park, outside the House Office Building.

“From the sabal palms lining our sandy white beaches, to the tall, green pine forests of the Panhandle, much of Florida’s natural beauty can be attributed to our trees,” said Governor Crist. “In addition to being an important source of oxygen, planting new trees remains one of the least expensive, most effective means of drawing excess carbon emissions from the atmosphere.”

Gov. Crist plants a crape myrtle with the assistance of Florida Girl Scouts.

FNGLA's Director of Government Affairs, Jim Spratt, addresses the crowd at Liberty Park.

Gov. Crist speaks with FNGLA's Jim Spratt.

 Florida legislators and members of the Florida Nursery, Growers & Landscape Association were also in attendance for the annual tree planting.

Florida’s trees play a vital role in the state’s economy. During the 2007-2008 fiscal year, more than 20.7 million people visited Florida’s 161 state parks, contributing more than $1 billion to Florida’s economy and generating more than 20,000 jobs. The renewable resource also adds billions of dollars annually to Florida's economy by providing lumber, paper, mulch, oils and other products.

Arbor Day is a nationally-celebrated observance that encourages tree planting and care. National Arbor Day was founded by J. Sterling Morton in 1872, and is celebrated on the last Friday in April.