Issue 2 | June 2019
Good and Green News & Updates
Our monthly newsletter is the source for Good and Green updates, activities, events, and opportunities in the City of Sunrise, Florida. We also want to  recognize outstanding community leaders and organizations. We would love to highlight your sustainability efforts and accomplishments (e.g. neighborhood cleanup, water conservation tip, butterfly garden, etc.) - please contact us at  [email protected]  to share your stories!
Trees can Make or Break a Hurricane Season
The start of hurricane season is a reminder to make sure your trees are healthy, strong, resilient and storm ready.

Trees provide a major benefit to the community. They provide shade, clean air and water, wildlife habitat, reduce noise pollution, and increase property value. But did you know that the right tree in the right place can also help protect your home during a storm?

There are species of trees that are more resilient and can better endure hurricane-force winds. Storm-safe trees will have minimized wind resistance above ground (achieved through proper pruning) and a healthy root system to anchor against winds. Learn which trees perform better than others by downloading the Gone with the Wind Storm brochure.

Tree care is just as important as tree selection to maintain a strong, healthy tree! As you stock your hurricane kits, do a tree condition check of your property as part of your hurricane preparations.

Check your trees for these common failures:

  • Codominant Trees (two main stems emerging from the same location which causes trees to weaken),
  • Circling Tree Roots (encompassing root systems which causes structural instability),
  • Top-heavy Trees (trees with heavy crowns and non-supportive trunks).

Many tree failures can be avoided through Proper Tree Care and Proper Tree Pruning!

In the City of Sunrise, permits are required for tree trimming and/or tree removal through the Community Development Department Engineering Division. For Sunrise permitting questions or help call 954-746-3270.

If planting or replacing a tree, follow FPL's Right Tree in the Right Place Guidelines to avoid future issues by knowing how tall, deep, and wide a tree will be at maturity before you plant. To find out the growth characteristics, and water and sun needs of various species, download the South Florida Water Management District's Waterwise book [PDF].

Disease and pests can also weaken trees. If you think your tree might have a disease or pest problem, or you need expert guidance relating to the care of your trees, contact the UF Extension Office Master Gardeners Program for help. 
City of Sunrise Urban Forester, William Byrnes, and Assistant City Manager, Mark Lubelski, giving out free trees to Sunrise residents at the Sunrise Cultural Festival.
Good and Green Service Spotlight
Sustainability Advisory Board (SAB) member, Sarah Ham, is quite an accomplished young lady! For the past three years, she has served as the High School Student liaison representing Sunrise youth on the SAB. Sarah was recognized for her service and dedication to the City by Commissioners on Tuesday, May 14. Watch Commission Video (fast forward to 1:00:27)

Do you know a responsible, dedicated young person looking to be active in local government? We are looking for our next High School liaison to serve on the SAB. Members serve at least one year, attend monthly meetings, and are asked to participate in Good and Green initiatives.
What's the buzz?
Celebrating National Pollinator Week
Mark your calendars for June 17-23 ! This entire week is dedicated to promoting the protection of pollinators like butterflies, bees, beetles, birds, and other small mammals - all of which are extremely important to our local South Florida ecosystems!

Let's celebrate by acknowledging the work of teacher and student groups who recently helped to establish pollinator gardens in Sunrise:

Franklin Academy - in April, 15 students from Ms. Drew's class worked alongside Utilities staff to plant 50 Florida native and habitat-friendly species at the City's Gas Division building. The school is also working on a Tree Campus designation!

Welleby Elementary - in May, 25 students worked alongside Sunrise sustainability staff and NatureScape Broward staff to plant over 30 butterfly-attracting plants at their school. Five large canopy trees were also planted on campus as part of the Habitat Connectivity Project.

Nob Hill Elementary - in March, 30 students from Ms. Petty's classes installed a new butterfly garden (see before and after photo), and added some plants to their South Florida native garden bird habitat on campus.

All three schools are Certified Schoolyard Habitats through National Wildlife Federation, and partner with the City through the Be A Butterfly Hero Program.
Free Garden Certifications for Sunrise residents to certify their yard through National Wildlife Federation
It's FREE for Sunrise residents to certify your yard/patio as a Wildlife Habitat through the National Wildlife Federation!

Offer expires June 30, 2019