Davie forester says 22 native trees planted at Bamford Park to restore wildlife habitat

Tim Lee, the town of Davie's urban forester, said crews have removed invasive trees at Bamford Park and planted 22 primarily native and Florida‑friendly trees as part of a habitat restoration effort. He spoke about the project in a short Arbor Day message.

"We've replanted 22 primarily native trees, also some Florida‑friendly trees," Lee said, summarizing the work completed at the site. He said the plantings include cypress, red maple and slash pine, and that the town will add more live oaks.

Lee said the removals targeted nonnative, fast‑growing species that can form monocultures and harm local wildlife. He noted the project removed many queen palms, which he described as a category‑two invasive, and other invasives (the transcript does not specify the name of one category‑one invasive he mentioned).

"These trees we planted are going to provide diversity and good wildlife habitats," Lee said, adding that the new canopy will offer pollinator resources, nesting areas and food sources. He pointed out that burrowing owls are already visible at the site: "You can see we have some burrowing owls here already."

Crews also left several standing trees that have cavities to support woodpeckers and owls, rather than removing every existing tree, Lee said. He encouraged residents to plant native or Florida‑friendly trees in home landscapes to support local wildlife and ecosystem health.

Lee identified pink tabebuia (pink trumpet) and yellow trumpet trees as nonnative but Florida‑friendly flowering trees the town is comfortable retaining in the landscape. He noted the plantings are next to the artificial turf at Bamford Park and closed by wishing viewers a happy Arbor Day on behalf of the town of Davie.

The planting count, species list and invasives classification are from Lee's on‑site description; no formal vote or funding details were discussed in the transcript.