Grand Isle’s palm tree project surpasses fundraising goal

80 palms to eventually be planted along Highway 1, organizers say

The Grand Isle Garden Club recently raised more than $25,000 which will purchase about 80 drought- and wind-resistant palm trees that will be planted along Highway 1.

“We were delighted by the support we received in a relatively short period of time,” Bonnie Pizani, Grand Isle Garden Club president, said in a release. “We would like to thank all of those who generously gave, including our four major sponsors; Friends of Grand Isle, Jefferson Beautification, Inc., Hi and Dry Boatlifts and Clyde and Nadine Pregeant. The Palm Tree Project also received a $5,000 Keep America Beautiful/ UPS Community Tree & Recovery Tree Planting Grant.

“The tree planting would not be possible without our volunteers who will be planting the trees. That includes Laine Landry, who is assisting us with his knowledge of trees and planting.”

The locations of the trees have been determined, and the planting of the first 40 trees started in mid-June, with plans for another planting later in the fall.

The planting will be done with equipment donated by Laine Landy, owner of Hurricane Hole Resort and Restaurant, and the Town of Grand Isle.

Foe more information, or to donate to the project, click here.