Springfield Preservation and Revitalization (SPAR) is excited to announce the Environmental Humanities Project Grant to fund the Historic Springfield TreeWalks & Springfield Arboretum. Funding is provided by Florida Humanities, the statewide nonprofit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), and The Mosaic Company. See Award Announcement Here.

The Historic Springfield TreeWalks & Springfield Arboretum is a free, public environmental humanities initiative that interprets Florida’s environmental heritage through the ecological, cultural, and architectural history of Jacksonville’s oldest neighborhood. Through four quarterly expert-led walking tours and the creation of a permanent neighborhood arboretum, the project transforms the Springfield Historic District into a living classroom — connecting environmental history, cultural memory, and contemporary community life.

Each 90-minute walking tour will accommodate up to 30 participants and emphasize open dialogue over one-way instruction. Tour topics and presenters include:

• Urban Forestry & Tree Health, led by Jonathan Colburn, M.Sc., ISA Board Certified Master Arborist and Urban Forestry Manager for the City of Jacksonville. April 18th 10AM-12PM
• Integrated Urban Ecology, led by Daniel Ashworth, Jr., AICP, RLA, ASLA, Senior Landscape Architecture Manager at GAI Consultants. June 6th 9AM-11AM
• Native Florida Flora & Urban Biodiversity, led by Andrew Gerren, herbalist, ethnobotanist, and founder of Sacred Herbs & Botanicals. September 12th 9AM-11AM
• Climate-Responsive Architecture, led by Michael Montoya, M.Arch., Lecturer at the University of Florida School of Architecture. December 12th 11AM-1PM

Alongside the walking tours, SPAR will install 35 permanent tree identification tags throughout the District to establish the Springfield Arboretum — a self-guided, publicly accessible arboretum spanning the neighborhood’s one square mile, the first of its kind in Duval County. Each tag includes the tree’s common and scientific name, taxonomic family, region of origin, and a QR code linking to interpretive content, community stories, and a digital map. All digital content will be available in English and Spanish.

“Springfield’s tree canopy is a critical part of our neighborhood and contributes to the design that defines the historic character of our community. This program invites residents to explore and celebrate that connection and to learn how they can protect and enrich it over time.

— Michael Haskins, Executive Director, SPAR

WHO: Historic Springfield TreeWalks & Springfield Arboretum

WHEN: Four quarterly walking tours, April 18th 10AM-12PM, June 6th 9AM-11AM, September 12th 9AM-11AM, & December 12th 11AM-1PM

WHERE: Springfield Historic District, Jacksonville, FL (Rotating routes; meeting at the SPAR Office, 1321 N Main St. Jacksonville, FL. 32206)

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Funding for this program was provided through a grant from the Florida Humanities with funds from The Mosaic Company. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of Florida Humanities or The Mosaic Company.

About Springfield Preservation and Revitalization

Springfield Preservation and Revitalization Council, Inc. (SPAR) has facilitated positive change in Jacksonville’s Historic Springfield District since 1974. SPAR’s mission is to ensure Historic Springfield is a preferred place to live and do business by leading programs that advance preservation, revitalization, and community growth. SPAR serves approximately 5,500 Springfield residents and reaches the broader Northeast Florida region through public programming, community events, and neighborhood advocacy. Learn more at www.sparcouncil.org.

About Florida Humanities

Florida Humanities, the statewide, nonprofit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, is dedicated to preserving, promoting, and sharing the history, literature, culture, and personal stories that offer Floridians a better understanding of themselves, their communities, and their state. Since 1973, Florida Humanities has awarded more than $16 million in support of statewide cultural resources and public programs strongly rooted in the humanities. These programs preserve Florida’s diverse history and heritage, promote civic engagement and community dialogue, and provide opportunities to reflect on the future of Florida. Learn more at www.FloridaHumanities.org.

About The Mosaic Company

The Mosaic Company (NYSE: MOS) helps the world grow the food it needs. Headquartered in Tampa, Florida, Mosaic is a leading producer and marketer of potash and phosphate fertilizer which are essential inputs for the world’s farmers. Through the Mosaic Biosciences platform, the company is advancing the next generation of biological solutions designed to improve nutrient use efficiency, strengthen crop performance, and support more sustainable agricultural systems. As a Fortune 500 company with 13,000 employees serving customers in more than 40 countries, Mosaic is helping build resilient and productive food systems for the future. More information on the company is available at www.mosaicco.com.