Groundwork Jacksonville, Greenscape of Jacksonville and volunteers planted 60 shade trees along the Emerald Trail S-Line on Friday, adding native species to enhance shade and resiliency in downtown neighborhoods. ISA Board-Certified Master Arborist Garner Cox, manager of Groundwork Jacksonville’s horticulture team, led the tree-planting effort.
The planted species include bald cypress, black gum, dahoon holly, wax myrtle, Little Gem magnolias, live oaks and other native trees specifically chosen for their ability to provide shade and environmental benefits to the urban corridor. Over 60 volunteers from the Jacksonville Jaguars staff, Ally Bank and students from the Duval 4-H Home School Adventure Club participated in planting the trees along the trail near Emmitt Reed Community between Kings Street and Moncrief Road.
The S-Line represents a significant piece of Jacksonville’s urban trail infrastructure as a 4.8-mile rails-to-trails multiuse path that runs through the Durkeeville and Springfield neighborhoods. The city converted the abandoned CSX right-of-way in 2008, making it Jacksonville’s first dedicated urban trail. The S-Line serves as a crucial component of the planned 30-mile Emerald Trail system.
The broader Emerald Trail project aims to link 14 historic urban neighborhoods to downtown Jacksonville, the St. Johns River and multiple schools, parks and other community destinations. Groundwork Jacksonville serves as the nonprofit partner responsible for rebuilding portions of the Emerald Trail and restoring McCoys Creek and Hogans Creek. The organization was formed in 2014 as a partnership with the city, the National Park Service, the Environmental Protection Agency and Groundwork USA.
Greenscape of Jacksonville has established itself as a major contributor to the region’s tree canopy since its founding in 1975. The local tree advocacy nonprofit has contributed more than 356,750 trees to the region’s canopy over its nearly five-decade history. The organization’s partnership with Groundwork Jacksonville demonstrates the collaborative approach needed for large-scale urban forestry initiatives.
The tree planting initiative represents part of ongoing efforts to enhance Jacksonville’s urban trail system and provide environmental benefits to surrounding communities. The native species selection ensures the trees will thrive in Florida’s climate while providing long-term shade and ecological benefits to trail users and nearby residents.