by Anthony DeMatteo
Staff Writer
Beverly Walker will come back to Ft. Caroline Elementary School to visit her students and the tree they planted for her.
Walker, whose last day as principal of the Arlington school is Wednesday, helped students plant a Japanese Magnolia in her honor Monday as part of an event sponsored by the Jacksonville Port Authority.
Six other trees, all crepe myrtles still bare from winter, were planted by students in front of the school, and each of Ft. Caroline’s children was given a Salvia plant from local nursery, Beautiful Blooms, to take home.
The day was part of a pilot program by the Port to increase environmental awareness among the city’s youth, according to the Port’s Senior Director Eric Green.
“It gives us an opportunity to help from an educational standpoint, as well as from an environmental sponsorship standpoint,” said Green. “Ft. Caroline was very willing and open to allowing us to come in, and this marks the beginning of a pilot program that we will start throughout the community.”
The Port also provided an instruction sheet on caring for the plants and the local conservation group, Tree Hill Nature Center, donated educational material.
“JaxPort called up to see if I wanted to be involved and I said ‘Of course, I went to school here,’” said Beautiful Blooms owner, Dan Sekula. “I’m big into beautifying Arlington, where I grew up.”
Tree Hill’s Executive Director, Lucy Cortese, said butterflies love Salvias, which spread and grow tall over time.
“We learn from the children,” said Cortese. “The research shows that by age 12, children have their ideas set about wildlife, so we like to get them early.”
Sekula said Walker’s pink-flowered magnolia is also called a “tulip tree,” named for her favorite flower. Walker leaves Ft. Caroline to head a new elementary school opening this fall on Chaffee Road.
“I think it’s critical that children become aware of what’s going on in the environment because they need this environment for their future and their children,” said Walker. “It is very bitter-sweet leaving this school. We have a great place here. It’s a great relationship with the kids.”
Nine-year-old Caitlyn Gentleman said the event taught her something about Ft. Caroline Elementary.
“I think it was a great experience just to see how much I appreciate my school,” she said.
John Moon, a student who planted one of the trees, said he is learning that landscaping helps the environment in more than one way.
“It keeps the environment clean,” said Moon. “Not just clean, but better looking – not so messy.”
Walker said she will return to the school to see the students and her tree as they grow.
“I will miss it,” she said. “I certainly will be back to visit the tree and these children.”