The annual fundraising event is in its 23rd year and has raised more than $7 million for tree-related research.Photo: Stihl
The 2015 Stihl “Tour des Trees” kicks off from Orlando on Oct. 25 and heads west, stopping overnight in Ruskin, Sarasota, Punta Gorda, Fort Myers Beach, Everglades City and Miami and visiting dozens of other communities along the way.
The annual event raises money, educates the public about the importance of urban trees and includes the planting of dozens of trees along the way. This year’s ride concludes Oct. 31 in Ft. Lauderdale.
During seven days on the road, tour participants will cycle as many as 560 miles, although this year’s event offers shorter-mileage options on three of the seven days.
Now in its 23rd year, Stihl’s Tour de Trees has been featured in a number of national publications, as well as on CNN. In recent years, the tour has been held in Wisconsin, New York, Ontario, Oregon and Virginia.
“The Stihl Tour des Trees is a one-of-a-kind adventure,” said Justin Espy, a field-testing technician at Stihl, certified arborist and three-time tour rider.
“Teaching kids about trees and educating communities around the country on their importance makes a real impact,” Espy said, “and I’m proud to have been part of it.”
Since 1992, the tour has raised more than $7.2 million for tree research and education programs. Proceeds from the event support research projects dedicated to caring for urban trees and keeping the tree-care workforce and the communities they serve safe. The tour also funds arboriculture education programs for children and communities and scholarships for aspiring tree-care professionals.
You can support the work of the cyclists and the Tree Fund by making a donation at the Stihl Tour des Trees website.
