Fernandina Beach Main Street – Gardens of Amelia

Fernandina Beach Main Street

Fernandina Beach Main Street

The mission of the Fernandina Beach Main Street Arboretum is to encourage and assist all property owners in working together to preserve and revitalize the tree canopy in historic downtown Fernandina Beach, and to utilize our tree collections to attract, engage and educate visitors and citizens alike.

Fernandina Beach Main Street is a certified member of the Main Street America Program, established by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The Main Street movement is the leading voice for preservation-based economic vitality and community revitalization across the country. Fernandina Beach Main Street was first certified in 2015 and was re-certified in 2019.

Historic downtown Fernandina Beach is nestled in the northwest end of Amelia Island. Amelia Island is one of Florida’s most beautiful destinations, and the southernmost of the Sea Islands (a chain of barrier islands stretching along the Atlantic coasts of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida). It is a popular vacation destination that boasts abundant native wildlife, miles of breezy beaches, and huge swathes of protected state and local parks and trails. Despite development, the island retains a large percentage of its historic maritime forest tree canopy, and plays an important role in Florida's ecological health and coastal resilience.

MISSION

Fernandina Beach Main Street shares the core Main Street America goal: to strengthen communities through preservation-based economic development in older and historic downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts. Our tree canopy is vital to the health, well-being and economic strength of our downtown district.

GARDEN HIGHLIGHTS

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Carya aquatica (Water Hickory)

Carya aquatica, commonly known as Water Hickory or Bitter Pecan, is a significant species in the Juglandaceae family that thrives

Carya aquatica (Water Hickory)

pecan lanechaffin

Carya illinoinensis (Pecan)

Native to the south-central United States and northeastern Mexico, the Pecan tree is a member of the Juglandaceae family and

Carya illinoinensis (Pecan)

sugarhuckleberry megachile

Celtis laevigata (Sugar Hackberry)

This tree species is frequently found in north Florida’s floodplain forests, blooming in the spring and serving multiple uses from

Celtis laevigata (Sugar Hackberry)

commonhackberry eric schmitty

Celtis occidentalis (Common Hackberry)

Common Hackberry is a deciduous tree that forms a rounded vase shape and can reach heights of 40 to 80

Celtis occidentalis (Common Hackberry)

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Crinum asiaticum (Tree Crinum)

The Tree Crinum, also known as Giant Crinum or poison bulb, is admired for its large bulb that produces impressive

Crinum asiaticum (Tree Crinum)

japsindletree umamimomma

Euonymus japonicus (Japanese Spindle Tree)

Known as the evergreen spindle or Japanese spindle, this species is a flowering plant native to Japan, Korea, and China.

Euonymus japonicus (Japanese Spindle Tree)

japarlia steve mcwilliam

Fatsia japonica (Japanese Aralia)

Fatsia japonica, or Japanese aralia, is a striking shrub that thrives in shady, moist conditions. The enormous lobed leaves grow

Fatsia japonica (Japanese Aralia)

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Gordonia lasianthus (Loblolly Bay)

Gordonia lasianthus, commonly known as Loblolly Bay, is an evergreen tree native to the southeastern United States, where it thrives

Gordonia lasianthus (Loblolly Bay)

firebush janabuggs

Hamelia patens (Firebush)

Hamelia patens, or Firebush, is a beautiful perennial shrub that attracts butterflies and hummingbirds with its tubular red or orange

Hamelia patens (Firebush)

europeanholly coleperry

Ilex aquifolium (European Holly)

The iconic European Holly has long been an important symbol of the holiday season. But did you know that Ilex

Ilex aquifolium (European Holly)

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Ilex vomitoria – Yaupon Holly – Courthouse

This Yaupon Holly is located near the historic Old Nassau County Courthouse. Native to the southeastern U.S., the Yaupon Holly

Yaupon Holly

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Ilex vomitoria (Yaupon Holly)

Native to the southeastern U.S., the Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria) is an evergreen shrub with vibrant red berries and a

Ilex vomitoria (Yaupon Holly)

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Juniperus Virginiana – Eastern Redcedar

Eastern red-cedar is indigenous to North America and can be found flourishing on the barrier islands of North Florida. These

Eastern Redcedar

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Lagerstroemia indica (Crape-Myrtle)

The crape myrtle is celebrated not just for its vivid and lengthy summer blooming but also for its unique, smooth,

Lagerstroemia indica (Crape-Myrtle)

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Magnolia grandiflora (Southern Magnolia)

A symbol of southern elegance, the Southern Magnolia is known for its large, aromatic white flowers and dark, glossy leaves.

Magnolia grandiflora (Southern Magnolia)

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Melaleuca viminalis (Weeping Bottlebrush)

It looks so much like the Crimson Bottlebrush (Melaleuca citrina, formerly known as Callistemon citrinus) — but please don’t let

Melaleuca viminalis (Weeping Bottlebrush)

Audubon Grackle look lft WIDE

Metroxylon sagu (Sago Palm)

Metroxylon sagu, commonly known as the true sago palm, is a species of palm that is native to tropical Southeast

Metroxylon sagu (Sago Palm)

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Nerium oleander (Oleander)

Oleander is the only species remaining in the ancient genus, Nerium. Believed to be originally from the Mediterranean, the true

Nerium oleander (Oleander)

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Phlebodium aureum (Golden Polypody)

Phlebodium aureum, also known as the blue star fern, is part of the rich fern flora of the southeastern United

Phlebodium aureum (Golden Polypody)

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Pittosporum tobira (Japanese Cheesewood)

The Japanese Cheesewood is a hardy evergreen shrub known for its sweet-smelling flowers. Although native to Asia, it has become

Pittosporum tobira (Japanese Cheesewood)

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Platanus occidentalis (American Sycamore)

The stately Platanus occidentalis, also known as American sycamore or American planetree, is an American native and a valued timber

Platanus occidentalis (American Sycamore)

JUNIOR NATURALISTS