In September 2022 after Hurricane Ian had moved on – causing catastrophic damage and flooding resulting in more than $112 billion in losses – Mark Richards got into his golf cart and began surveying the damage wrought to Sabal Springs by the Cat 5 storm. In addition to the multiple damaged roofs, twisted lanais, and other structural damage to the homes of his neighbors, he noted the immense loss of vegetation, specifically the vast number of palms and pine trees – more than 100 by his estimate – that were just gone or desecrated. For example, on hole No. 12, at least four big palms had been uprooted and were blocking the cart path.
“I thought it’s a real shame that we can’t do something, and the HOA was low on money due to the damage caused by Ian,” Mark says. “So, in March 2023 I contacted the various committees, the 131 Club, the Sabal Springs Men’s and Women’s Golf Associations, the Joker’s, and the rest of the organizations that had been involved with the installation of the flagpole in front of the clubhouse.”
While the various committees thought it was a good idea, they didn’t have the necessary funds. But where there’s a will there’s a way, and Mark took on the task of re-treeing the community. A small committee was formed adding Jane Ward, Mike Temme, Susan Roberts, Karole Bunch, and Bill Simkins. Through 50-50 raffles held after golf outings and other fundraising efforts, as well as money from the HOA, Mark, with the help of a small group of volunteers, was ready to dig in.
After months of planning, planting began in the autumn of 2023 with 11 trees. Mark says it’s been a learning a process, and he now tries to coordinate the planting schedule with the beginning of the rainy season with fewer trees planted at a time. After researching a number of options, Mark found a local nursery on Slater Road, which charges about $350 per palm tree, including delivery and planting. To date, he has organized the planting of almost two dozen palms and pine trees.
Working with Michael Stewart, Sabal Springs’ Director of Golf, they determine where the next tree goes on the golf course. Mark says there are several areas that still need attention, including holes No. 3 and No. 12. The most recent palm addition, tree number 22, was added to the golf course a few months ago at hole No. 8 to replace two trees damaged by Ian and subsequent storms.
Mark says this a community effort and credits the homeowners who are willing to donate water (about $10 split over two months) as well as volunteers such as Patsy and Scott Clark, who are happy to wield a hose on hole No. 8.
To supplement the money raised through fundraising efforts, Mark says private donations have been made to plant trees in memoriam for Sabal Springs residents. For instance, the aforementioned palm on hole No. 8 honors Karen Jameson, who passed away earlier this year. On hole No. 10, near the gold tee, is a tree planted in remembrance of Pete Zes, close to where his wife Beth still lives. Carol Duncan bought a pine tree to honor her brother and father also on hole No. 10. Also, trees have been planted on holes 6, 11, and 18 honoring Red Fularczyk, Peggy Neathammer, and Henry Rogowski (Ski) respectively. And you may have noticed along the poolside path cart, there is a tree and plaque recognizing Michael Stewart’s mother, which was generously funded by the members of Sabal Springs golf community. Mark takes on the responsibility of purchasing the accompanying engraved commemorative bricks that are placed after the trees have had a chance to settle into their new homes. As of now memorial trees cost $400 to cover the cost of the tree and the memorial brick.
Mark says, if possible, it would be nice to have a “memorial park” with a bench in the open lot on Sabal Springs Boulevard where more trees could be planted. This would allow nongolfers and people who do not live on the golf course to have a tree they can visit. He is in the process of putting together a proposal to present to the HOA Board with his vision.
Please reach out to Mark at (239) 989-7393 or [email protected] if you would like to learn more about how you can make a difference and contribute to the community in this endeavor.
