February 18, 2025 – (KEY WEST, FL). The Key West Art and Historical Society announces a $15,000 donation from Save a Tree/Key West, a registered 501(c)3, to plant additional trees at Fort East Martello Museum. The much-needed funds were raised during the Merili McCoy Royal Poinciana Red Party fundraiser held on the grounds of the Key West Lighthouse and Keeper’s Quarters Museum in June 2024.
Owing to an eventful hurricane season, many of the trees planted at the Fort East Martello Museum during a Monroe County-led water mitigation project did not survive. The donation will allow for new quality plantings, which will be overseen by the Society and Save a Tree/Key West board members. All trees planted will be in honor of “The Original Tree Lady of Key West” Merili McCoy, late Key West City Commissioner and wife of former Key West Mayor Sonny McCoy.
“I would like to thank the entire Board of Directors, the generous Merili McCoy Royal Poinciana Red Party sponsors, as well as the extremely generous, tree loving community of Key West and beyond for their support,” says Karen Ludwig-O’Leary, Save a Tree/Key West board president. “We could not have done it without the community’s support. Our motto is to Plant, Respect, and Maintain.”
Following the water mitigation project and upgrades to the Fort’s Parade Grounds that were completed by Monroe County in 2021, the rejuvenated space hosted a variety of community events and programs including concerts, music festivals, fundraisers, free outdoor movies, and youth education camps. Trees that were initially planted during the construction phase to provide vital shade were ravaged during last year’s hurricane season. With this generous donation, the Society will plant additional trees that will enhance the property and provide shade for year-round community programming.
“Fort East Martello has long played a key role in the Key West community since it was constructed in the mid-nineteenth century. Local residents have customarily used the structure and the surrounding grounds for picnics and social events for years,” says Michael F. Gieda, Executive Director for the Society. “Last year’s storms severely damaged recently planted trees on the property. We are elated to have this support and partnership with Save a Tree/Key West.”
Save a Tree/Key West will host its next fundraiser at the Key West Lighthouse and Keeper’s Quarters Museum on Friday, May 16. For more information about the fundraiser, or to make a donation, please visit saveatreekw.org.
Your Museums. Your Community. It takes an Island.
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IMAGE 1: Save a Tree/Key West Board Member Mimi McCoy (left) and Save a Tree/Key West Board President Karen Ludwig-O’Leary (right) present Key West Art & Historical Society Executive Director Michael F. Gieda with a $15,000 donation to plant quality trees at Fort East Martello Museum. (Photo Credit: Provided)
