Naples is asking the public to donate money for trees

The Naples Community Services Advisory Board is asking the public to help raise funds to plant more trees across the city.

In 2017, Hurricane Irma knocked down 2,000 trees in the city. The city has been able to replant 1,000 trees, but even with increased funding and support from the Naples City Council, there are not sufficient funds for the missing trees, according to a news release from the board.

For the rest of the year, the Blair Foundation is matching funds up to $500,000 through the Blair Foundation Tree Challenge. Donations will be used for trees within public spaces along roadways and city parks.

So far, the tree challenge has raised $146,388.

The tree challenge ends on Dec. 31.

Naples has 20,773 trees of 148 different species across its parks, public spaces and city streets.

If you would like to make a donation to the tree challenge, you can do so by contacting the Naples Community Services Department at  239-213-7120 or visit this website.