 3530 Enterprise Way Green Cove Springs, FL 32043 (904)284-9859, (904) 264-7788 Fax # (904) 284-9497 |
3530 Enterprise Way Green Cove Springs, FL 32043 (904)284-9859, (904) 264-7788 Fax # (904) 284-9497 |
Mentally handicapped adults are trained to operate a native hardwood tree nursery which supplies young trees for ILUKA (USA) Mineral Sands, Inc. a mining company. The ILUKA plants these trees in newly created wetland areas as part of its site reclamation program.
The purpose of the Tree Nursery project is twofold. First, it is designed to give employment to disabled adults in an industrial setting within the community. One site supervisor and nine disabled adults potted, watered, weeded and maintained 60,000 trees in 1996. The training offered at the Tree Nursery is designed to provide workers with skills necessary for gainful employment. CCAR workers are also employed at Jacksonville Naval Air Station NADEP facility where they perform janitorial, grounds maintenance, Commissary restocking, and recycling services.
Secondly, the Tree Nursery transplants seedlings of Pine, Loblloy Bay, Red Bay, Cypress, Black Gum, Maple, and Sweet Gum trees which are cared for and grown to 4 - 5' in height. These trees are then planted by the ILUKA (USA) Mineral Sands, Inc. to reforest the wetlands. The mineral sands removed are titanium and zircon from centuries-old beachheads that have been covered by layers of sand and topsoil.
This cooperative effort of ILUKA and CCAR has saved the company over $40,000.00 in 1992, the first year. This project reduces the cost of land reclamation as the trees are produced more efficiently and have greater sustainability. As the project continues to expand, even larger savings are projected for ILUKA and more employment opportunities will be available for adults with disabilities.
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Planting Native |
Irrigation Area |
View of Nursery |
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 Trees planted in the Wetlands reclaimation area |
 Governor's Sustainable Florida Award |
 Eastern Michigan University Students |
 CCAR clients |