For immediate release
Contact: Mercede Gardner 904-757-4463, ext. 211

Learn the Five Points of Tree Care
at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

Gardening Class – February 2, 2008

January 14, 2008 – Jacksonville, FL – The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens announced the next class in its series of gardening classes, “The Five Points of Tree Care”.  The class is scheduled for Saturday, February 2, 2008, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Zoo’s PepsiCo Education Foundation Campus.  Guest speaker Larry Figart, the Urban Forestry Extension Agent for Duval County, will discuss why trees are key to a healthy environment and the five main points for establishing a healthy tree in your landscape.

“Trees not only add to the beauty of landscapes, they play a vital and often underappreciated role in the health of our environment,” said Bob Chabot, Director of Horticulture and Facilities at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens.  “Class attendees will learn why we need healthy trees and how to grow them.” 

The cost is $15 per person for Zoo members and $20 per person for non-Zoo members.  Pre-registration is required, and seating is limited.  For more information or to pre-register, visit the Zoo’s Web site at www.jacksonvillezoo.org.

For over 90 years, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has been dedicated to inspiring the discovery and appreciation of wildlife through innovative experience in a caring environment. Starting in 1914 with an animal collection that consisted of one red deer fawn, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has grown to house more than 1,500 rare and exotic animals and over 1,000 unique plant species. The Jacksonville Zoo is a non-profit organization and is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).  It is open year-round, seven days a week, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and is located on Jacksonville’s north side at 370 Zoo Parkway, one-half mile east from I-95.  For more information on the Zoo, log on to www.jacksonvillezoo.org.

XXX