A newspaper article in the Ocala Star Banner, September 14, 2006 featured Joe Samnik in his efforts to preserve trees on the future site of Ocala’s redevelopment, City Walk, a 40,000 square foot open air retail and restaurant complex.

Two live oak trees that have stood for some 50 years are as close as 18 to 20 feet from the construction site. Extensive measures must be taken to protect these trees.

"Ocala’s tree preservation effort managed to land some expert help for free this week. Joe Samnik, an award-winning Pinellas County arborist with 37 years experience, volunteered to supervise city crews on site this week. Samnik arrived before 9 a.m. Tuesday. He was the last one to leave the site as afternoon rains started to fall.”

Preservation efforts included pruning limbs, removing asphalt, air knifing compacted dirt and adding a nutrients-rich soil mix.

For complete article, "Putting Down Roots".