Cotleur & Hearing Celebrates Ribbon Cutting of UNF Campus Canopy Project on Florida Arbor Day

On Friday, January 16, the University of North Florida (UNF) campus was buzzing with activity as city leaders, university officials, and community partners gathered to celebrate Florida Arbor Day. The ribbon-cutting ceremony, attended by UNF President Moez Limayem, members of the City of Jacksonville (COJ), representatives from the Public Trust for Conservation, and key community stakeholders, marked the completion of the first phase of this transformative effort. The event commemorated a significant milestone: the successful installation of 199 new trees across campus - a project that Cotleur & Hearing is proud to have guided from early concept to reality.

But the roots of this project extend far beyond the day’s festivities.

From Concept to Canopy

Nearly two years ago, Cotleur & Hearing was selected by the Public Trust for Conservation to serve as Landscape Architects and Project Managers for this initiative. Funded through the COJ Level 3 Tree Planting Program, the project leveraged the Tree Mitigation Trust Fund to enhance UNF’s urban canopy and support long-term ecological resilience.

As Cotleur & Hearing’s Visual Design Manager, Sarah Dark led the effort as Project Manager and Designer, shaping the plan from its earliest stages.

“This wasn’t just about planting trees; it was about selecting the right trees for the right places to ensure long-term sustainability,” Dark shared.

Collaborative Design, Lasting Impact

Over the past 24 months, Cotleur & Hearing partnered closely with UNF staff member Rhonda Gracie, John November of the Public Trust, and City of Jacksonville officials. The process involved extensive site analysis to locate optimal planting zones, rigorous design sessions, and navigating the approval process with the COJ Tree Commission.

Their efforts culminated in the late‑2025 installation of 199 trees, marking the first phase of a planned multi‑year expansion of the campus canopy.

During the ceremony, John Henry November, Executive Director of the Public Trust, emphasized the long-term vision behind the initiative:

“This ribbon cutting marks a long-term investment in Jacksonville’s future.”

A Lasting Legacy

Cotleur & Hearing is honored to have played a central role in bringing this “living infrastructure” to life. The project supports UNF’s designation as a Tree Campus for Higher Education and reflects the firm’s commitment to environmental stewardship, thoughtful design, and collaborative community partnerships.

As this multi-year effort continues, Cotleur & Hearing looks forward to helping expand the canopy and its impact across the UNF campus for generations to come.