History: In March of 1991, Jack Wilderman, a member of the Boca Del Mar Improvement Board of Directors suggested this program so that landscaping funding would not be depleted. He first solicited funds from members of his own community, Colony Woods, and the bulk of his plantings were on nearby Palmetto Park Road.

Costs: A person, wishing to honor or memorialize someone provides $200.00 for the purchase of a tree. The type of tree, whether of the flowering type or shade tree - a suitable location for its planting in the confines of Boca Del Mar. Details are kept in a beautiful book, noting the purchaser of the tree, date of planting, its type and location and its designee and is available for viewing in the office of the Boca Del Mar Improvement Association office. All the people involved are notified when the tree has been planted. Our chief gardener searches the regional landscape gardens for a healthy looking tree of the variety desired. The tree is guaranteed for replacement if necessary.

Planting: Only in an area where moisture is provided by a sprinkler system and only in our open landscaped areas or roadways.

Tree Type: Photographs of the trees best suited for this region are available at the office. A tour is available to visit some of the already planted trees and the planting area decided upon at that time.

Progress: Since the onset of this program, approximately over 200 trees have been planted. Some border Mizner Trail Golf Course (the designees were golfers) but most are in our parks and on the south side of Palmetto Park Road west of its junctions with Boca Del Mar Drive.

Types of Trees Planted to Date:
Flowering: Hong Kong Orchid (Purple & White)
Pink Tabebuia
Crepe Myrtle
Golden Rain
Shade:
Maple
Oak
Callophylum.
Buttonwood
Palms:
Queen & Royal

Addenda: In 1996, Jack Wilderman left this area and the tree planting program was taken over by staff members of the Boca Del Mar Improvement Association. Park Placide and Silver Palm Park have particularly been provided with many of these trees and a stroll through these parks is very rewarding. Special memorial trees of note: - The Royal Palm in Park Placide, provided by BDMIA - dedicated to the memory of Governor Chiles. The Royal Poinciana, on the south side of West Palmetto Park Road (BDMIA) just short of the Turnpike, remembering the 5 teenagers who lost their lives on that street. And just west of the tree, the 3 Oak trees in memory of Prime Minister of Israel Yitzhak Rabin (tragically murdered by a dissident Israeli), his wife Lea Rabin and Secretary of Commerce Ron Brown who died in an airplane accident.

What better way to honor or memorialize someone than to plant a tree which will live and breathe and provide beauty and remembrance throughout your lifetime and for many, many years. Call the office at 368-1503.