After two years, phase one of the Venice Urban Forest is just about done.

The 33-acre piece of land sits east of the Venetian Waterway Park near the CSX Old Rail Road right of way.

The project will help with storm water absorption and will be a home to dozens of bird and animal species. Already, more than a thousand native Florida trees have been planted.

Phases two and three will see the forest stretch from the Venice Train Depot to Center Road.