The City of Destin has planted a dozen new trees at two local parks this fall using funding from a U.S.D.A. Forest Service grant, restoring tree canopy lost in recent years to storms and disease.
- The city’s Parks and Recreation Department planted 12 trees across Kell-Aire Nature Walk and Nancy Weidenhamer Dog Park in fall 2025 with support from the grant, which was awarded by the U.S.D.A. Forest Service in cooperation with the Florida Forest Service.
Kell-Aire Nature Walk lost 20 pine trees during a severe windstorm in 2024, while Nancy Weidenhamer Dog Park lost nine pine trees between 2021 and 2024 due to a southern pine beetle infestation.
The grant allowed the city to restore both sites with a mix of live oak, willow, holly and maple trees. Two of each species were planted at Kell-Aire Nature Walk, and one of each at the dog park.
- “Trees play a crucial role in our parks in both functionality and symbolically,” said Tamara Young, public information director. “The completion of this project aligns with our City’s broader environmental and livability goals, helping with air quality and carbon capture, temperature regulation, and being a natural habit for birds and pollinators.”
The new trees will provide additional shade, help reduce urban heat and lower temperatures during hot weather, enhancing comfort for park visitors.
Both sites are equipped with irrigation systems and will be closely monitored during a 60-day establishment period.
One Response
Destin would not have to worry about trees had they protected the ones that were here! Their symbolic Arbor Day at the elementary school, planting one tree is pathetic. You people missed the big picture when you got rid of the tree ordinance!
I still remember Sandy Trammel making her remark, while on the Parks committee: we don’t care about trees.