As National Arbor Day approaches, it’s a good time to reflect on our region’s devotion to the trees that make our landscape so pleasing to the senses. Until the 1880’s, Sacramento was nicknamed the “City of Plains” for its broad, treeless flatlands. It was then that an effort began to transform the area into the “City of Trees”; the elm was the crown jewel of the new canopy.
For nearly a decade, the Sacramento Tree Foundation has been working with SMUD to provide valley oak trees to residents of the City of Elk Grove Rural Community. This program, called Folks for Oaks, was established in 2007 thanks to the gusto and dedication of two community members, Leo Fassler and Nancy Myers. Since the inception of the program, about 1,400 valley oaks have been planted in this community.
The acorn harvest is coming to a close early here on the valley floor. Beginning in mid-September, Sacramento Tree Foundation staff, interns, and volunteers have been busy locating, learning about, and carefully harvesting this year’s nuts that will become next year’s seedling trees. So far 4,500 acorns have been collected — and our volunteers will keep collecting to reach our goal of 5,000!
SMUD and the Sacramento Tree Foundation recently celebrated 25 years of partnership with the planting of a ceremonial willow oak at the southeast corner of SMUD’s Headquarters building. The partnership—known as the Sacramento Shade program—has delivered more than half a million free shade trees to residences and businesses since 1990.
It looks like autumn already — trees are losing leaves and many are turning color earlier than usual. These early signs of dormancy could be caused by severe drought stress.
s waste and sent to the landfill, the Urban Wood Rescue program will add to Sacramento’s recognition not only as the City of Trees and the Farm to Fork Capital, but also as the Tree to Table pioneer!
Our Urban Forest Assessment interns have been working hard this summer to collect important data from around the region. This data will help us understand and quantify the many benefits our urban forest provides.
New state funding opportunities are investing in green infrastructure in some of California’s most environmentally vulnerable communities.
Over 20 new trees were planted at the Wildlife Care Association on June 13th. With the help of volunteers and expertise from Sacramento Tree Foundation, these new trees will grow to provide shade, shelter, and habitat.
The Bear River Habitat Trail is about to get a major upgrade for both people and wildlife. Native plants and trees and a multiuse trail will add habitat, beauty, and amenities for this community.