Brevard County officials have launched a survey to determine how many trees planted during the 1976 Bicentennial celebration remain standing. The effort comes as part of a broader initiative to evaluate the long-term impact of the event's environmental legacy. County planners say the original planting included over 2,000 trees across 15 parks and public spaces. Exact survival numbers are not yet available, but preliminary checks suggest less than half are still alive.
The survey involves field crews using GPS and historical records to locate and inspect each tree. Workers are focusing on areas like the Brevard County Botanical Gardens and the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, where many Bicentennial plantings occurred. "Some trees are thriving, but others have been lost to storms, disease, or neglect," said county environmental coordinator Lisa Martinez. "We need to know where we stand before we can plan next steps."
The Bicentennial planting was part of a national effort to mark 200 years since the U.S. Declaration of Independence. In Brevard, the project was led by the Florida Division of Forestry and local volunteers. Records show the species included live oaks, magnolias, and slash pines, chosen for their resilience to the region's climate.
County officials say the data will inform future tree-planting projects and conservation efforts. The survey is expected to take six months, with results shared publicly in early 2024. Residents are encouraged to report missing or damaged Bicentennial trees by contacting the county’s environmental hotline at 321-555-7890.