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All of the tree species selected for planting are native to the ORCA area, were not especially susceptible to wind damage, and, properly sited, will thrive after establishment without supplemental irrigation. Planting activities are scheduled for the second year of the grant, after the site has been properly prepared . County matching funds will be used to purchase and plant shrubs and groundcovers to complement the tree canopy reforestation. Planting will be conducted according to University of Florida guidelines . Dr. Sandra Wilson, Department of Environmental Horticulture, Indian River Research and Education Center, University of Florida, will provide technical guidance . ISA Certified arborist Ken Oristaglio of the Indian River County Environmental Planning Section will oversee tree planting and ongoing maintenance . A temporary irrigation system will be installed. The adjacent Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, a University of Florida research station, will provide a hook-up to their water system . Cost-Effectiveness : Indian River County' s project partners include the Indian River Mosquito Control District (IRMCD) , an independent taxing district, and the Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory (FMEL), a University of Florida research center. Indian River County will provide project oversight, labor for ongoing maintenance, and funds to purchase shrubs and groundcovers as match . The IRMCD will provide equipment and labor to mechanically remove 5 acres of exotic vegetation, with an estimated value of $ 19 , 000 . The FMEL will provide volunteer labor, educational workshops and materials, and an interface to University of Florida experts . Tree City USA Certification & Tree City USA Growth : As a formerly agriculturally-based community, Indian River County has not become a part of the Tree City program . Increasing urbanization makes future participation more likely. Other Information to Support Approval of this Proiect : Located just off of U. S . Highway 1 in southern Indian River County, the ORCA is highly visible and attracts thousands of local residents and visitors each year. Amenities include rustic nature trails , a 15 -foot Observation Tower, a Wetland Viewing Platform, and a Canoe Dock. Since 1998 , the adjacent Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory has provided volunteer training and support for the adjacent ORCA . Volunteers lead free weekly nature walks , help to prune the trails , and have performed more than 2, 500 hours of exotic vegetation control . The tenth volunteer training class is scheduled to begin in January 2006 . Ongoing educational workshops are offered throughout the year for the more than 80 active volunteer, including DOF Senior Forester Dale Armstrong who taught proper tree pruning techniques to the ORCA volunteers on November 11 , 2001 . With this well-established volunteer pool, educational outreach efforts related to this project can be maximized.