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Cherry Blossom Tree Gifted to Palo Alto
A Gift from the People of Japan Commemorating The Centennial of US/Japanese Friendship
 This year marks the centennial of the gift of cherry blossom trees from the people of Japan to the people of the United States. Cherry blossom trees have become a symbol of the relationship between Japan and the U.S. for the past century. A cherry blossom sapling was recently given to Palo Alto by the people of Japan to commemorate this special anniversary.
The March 11th planting took place during a welcoming party for 16 visiting exchange students from Palo Alto Sister City Tsushiura. Canopy board member Marty Deggeller and Program Committee members Fred Nichols and Loren Haley helped plant the small flowering tree at Mitchell Park. Palo Alto Mayor Yeh, Palo Alto Neighbors Abroad Co-President Barbara Evans, Vice President and PAUSD Japanese teacher Keiko Nakajima, and Consul Takemichi Nagaoka broke ground. The Palo Alto host families and Tsuchiura students worked together to plant the cherry sapling.
Residents of both cities expressed their hope that as the cherry tree continues to grow, so too will the bonds between Palo Alto and Tsuchiura.
(Click here for photos of the planting from the Japanese Consulate)
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New Oak Replaces 200 Year Old "George" on Cowper Street
City of Palo Alto, Residents and Canopy Work Together to Facilitate Planting and Replacement Tree
By Peter Jensen ASLA, Landscape Architect, City of Palo Alto
 The planting of the new Valley Oak (Quercus lobata) at 816 Cowper Street marked a successful collaboration between the City of Palo Alto staff, Canopy, and the community in maintaining our native tree canopy. An Oak Tree Planting Ceremony was held on March 19 to celebrate the planting of the new native tree. When it was determined that saving the majestic Coast Live Oak, nicknamed "George", was not possible and that removal was necessary, community members asked the City to explore options for how best to proceed with the tree's successor. After discussion at a community meeting, two main priorities were identified: planting a native oak and creating an optimal growing space for the new tree. City staff formulated a number of options for different sidewalk and curb layouts that maximized the growing space of the oak and presented these to the community. After considering the pros and cons of each option, the community agreed that a layout maximizing the largest planting area was the best choice to ensure the new oak tree had plenty of room to mature. With its expanded planting area, the young oak will help maintain Palo Alto's urban canopy as well as preserve the native canopy that existed here prior to development. Planting the new tree provides both long term benefits for future generations of Palo Altans and connects us back to our city's native roots. What a fitting way to honor George!
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 Palo Alto's 2012 Arbor Day Festival
Planting and Celebrating Trees at Mitchell Park
On Saturday, March 10th, over 300 people gathered at the Mitchell Park Bowl to celebrate trees at this year's Palo Alto Arbor Day Festival. The event, hosted by Canopy, was kicked off with a tree planting ceremony to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Girl Scouts of America. Girls and leaders from several area troops also helped mulch many of the young trees at the park. (Click here for the Girl Scout's planting photos)
After the planting, tree lovers of all ages strapped themselves tree climbing gear and learned how to pull themselves up into trees led by tree climbing expert Chad Brey and professional tree hugger Tim Womick. This dynamic duo, known as the Tree Circus, that has been traveling the state for California Arbor Week.
Other activities included tree walks led by local arborist Kevin Raftery and City Arborist Dave Dockter, tree inspired art with the Art Center's Art Truck, face-painting, an Ask the Arborist Booth, and the Master Gardeners Plant Clinic and native plant seed giveaway. The festival concluded with a very special performance by the Santa Cruz based Banana Slug String Band. Festival attendees met the "real" Stanford tree; and enjoyed food from local food trucks.
(Click here for Arbor day Festival photos)
Thanks to all the volunteers and partners who helped make this year's Arbor Day Festival such a huge success!
 
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Canopy Brings 'Tree Circus' to Area Schools
Educator Tim Womick Entertains & Educates
for Arbor Day
 On March 9th, as part of Canopy's Arbor Day celebrations, educator Tim Womick, and his Tree Circus, visited Belle Haven Elementary School in Menlo Park and Edison-Brentwood Elementary School in East Palo Alto. So far, Canopy has planted 33 trees at Belle Haven and plans to plant more than 100 trees at Brentwood! Through entertaining skits and songs, The Tree Circus highlighted Canopy's tree planting work at the two schools. The energetic Tree Circus performance emphasizes the important role of urban trees and teaches kids to care for them. Womick, along with champion tree climber Chad Brey and assistant Ryan Pendleton, brought giggles and insights to nearly 700 local elementary students. (Click here for photos of the two performances) 
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Canopy Finalist in Odwalla
$10K Grant Contest
 Through its 2012 Plant a Tree program, Odwalla is donating $10,000 to worthy nonprofits, California ReLeaf and Canopy's Healthy Trees, Healthy Kids! project is in the running for a $10k grant.
During April and May, visitors to the Plant a Tree website can support Healthy Trees, Healthy Kids! by simply logging on and voting for the project's video. No contribution is required. The 10 organizations with the most votes by May 31 will receive $10,000 each.
Canopy aims to use the funds to plant 114 trees on the campus of Brentwood Academy in East Palo Alto and bring much needed shade to its 500 students.
Click below to vote, look for Heathy Trees, Healthy Kids! on first or second page.
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Trees & Treats!
West Bayshore Tree Walk
Sat. April 14th, 10AM
Join Certified Arborist Jeff Newborn for an informative and fun walk discussing diverse tree species around West Bayshore, and enjoy free cupcakes donated by Sprinkles Cupcakes.
When: Saturday April 14th
from 10AM to Noon
Where: Meet at Ohlone School (950 Amarillo Ave.)
What: See White Mulberry, California Pepper Tree, Red Ironbark, Carob, Canary Island Date Palm, and others on our West Bayshore Tree Walk.
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Tree Walks in 2012
Monthly, Free, and Fun!
Join us every month on the second Saturday from 10 am to Noon. Click here to sign up.
April 14th - West Bayshore
May 12th - Comm. Center
June 9th - Old Palo Alto
July 14th - College Terrace
August 11th - West Bayshore
Sept. 8th - University South
October 13th - Southgate
Nov. 10th - Crescent Park
Click the above links to see the self-guided Tree Walks or request a brochure: info@canopy.org or call 650-964-6110 x1
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Old Car = New Trees
Canopy recently received its first car donation. The donor had a seamless experience, free towing, and now has a tax-deduction worth $1,000!
Thinking about selling your car, truck, RV, boat, motorcycle, or other vehicle? Donate it to Canopy instead and support your local trees!
We will handle the title details, towing, & processing. It takes a few minutes, but its is worth your time: Call 877-676-TREE (877-676-8733) or click here.
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Canopy is Hiring!
To achieve our programmatic goals, including the Healthy Trees, Healthy Kids! initiative, Canopy seeks a dynamic Director of Development. (Click here for the job posting)
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Sponsor Highlight:
Sprinkles Cupcakes
650-323-9300
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