TreEnews - December 2015

Happy #GivingTuesday! Today, charities, families, businesses, and community members around the world come together for one common purpose: to celebrate giving, and to give. A big thank you to everyone whose generosity makes our work possible. Donate here.

PG&E Tree Removals in Palo Alto:

Important Community Meeting

TOMORROW - Wednesday, December 2, 7-9pm

Mitchell Park Community Center, El Palo Alto Room

PG&E has proposed clear-cutting hundreds of trees on private and public property throughout the Bay Area, and removing or relocating buildings and structures adjacent to a gas transmission pipeline.

The proposal affects many locations throughout Palo Alto, including Midtown and south of Midtown neighborhoods on Middlefield, Cowper, Ashton, Waverley, Loma Verde, and Charleston, as well as College Terrace and other neighborhoods.

At the request of homeowners, PG&E will discuss its proposed actions at a public meeting on December 2. City of Palo Alto staff will also provide their expertise, and residents can ask questions about pipeline safety and alternatives to the current proposal.

Canopy encourages residents to attend this meeting and join the discussion. Learn more.

Community Happenings

Want more trees in South Palo Alto? The City wants your thoughts!

Take the South Palo Alto Tree Canopy Community Survey

The City of Palo Alto wants your input! North Palo Alto has more tree canopy cover than South Palo Alto, and the disparity between North and South has doubled over the last three decades. Canopy is collaborating with the City to investigate why south Palo Alto has less canopy cover, and to find ways to address the disparity.

As part of the study, the City and Canopy have created a community survey to gather residents' feedback. It only takes a few minutes to complete -- and participants will be entered to win a gift of delicious fair trade chocolate! If you have questions, contact Elise Willis at elise@canopy.org. Responses needed by December 21. Thanks for participating!

Palo Alto Sustainability and Climate Action Plan Summit

Sunday, January 24, 1-5pm - David Starr Jordan Middle School

The City of Palo Alto is holding a community forum to discus their new Sustainability & Climate Action Plan on January 24, 2016 from noon to 5pm at David Starr Jordan Middle School. The event is free and open to the community. Please join this conversation on the future of the City and help craft solutions to the critical issues facing us now and into the future.
Learn more and register today.

Christmas Trees: real, fake, or alternative?

If Christmas trees are part of your family holiday tradition, you may have wondered: Is it better to cut down a live tree? Buy an artificial tree? Find an alternative? There's no easy answer, but you can weigh the pros and cons with Canopy's Sustainable Christmas Tree Guide. Happy Holidays!

Coming up at Canopy

Pruning Workshop

Sat. 12/05, 9am - 1pm

Learn the art of young tree pruning with Canopy's Program Director, Michael Hawkins.

Part one includes classroom and field training. In part two, volunteers put their skills to work in a hands-on field session.

Tree Care Service Day

Sat. 12/19, 9am - 12pm

Join Canopy and Acterra for a joint service day. We'll care for trees on the East Palo Alto Charter School (EPACS) campus, and steward native plants along the Bay Trail.

All tools, equipment, and light snacks will be provided.

Barron Park Tree Walk

Sat. 1/9, 10am - 12pm

RSVP here

Come stroll with Canopy and an expert arborist through the urban forest of Barron Park. Encounter the lovely Mimosa tree, the yellow-white clusters of the California Pepper Tree, the peeling red bark of the Arbutus Marina, and more.

Save the Date!

Canopy's 20th Annual Palo Alto

Mayor's Tree Planting and Awards Ceremony

Thursday, January 21st

5:15pm - 8:00pm

Let's celebrate! Join Canopy and friends at our 20th Annual Mayor's Tree Planting and Awards ceremony. A ceremonial tree planting in honor of the incoming Mayor will be followed by refreshments, mingling, and merriment. We'll recognize the recipients of the 2016 Canopy Tree Awards -- and kick off our 20th year of growing healthy trees and healthy communities! Please RSVP by January 15 to shannon@canopy.org.

Highlights from the field

Trees of Stanford:

A Walk Through Time

Tree experts Herb Fong, Dave Muffly, Matt Ritter, and Sairus Patel shared their stories and expertise about the Trees of Stanford through a panel discussion and campus tree walks.

Event Recap - Photos

105 Trees and Shrubs Planted in Bol Park

Volunteers came out in force for Make a Difference Day to help Canopy, Bol Park Residents, and City of Palo Alto landscape architect Peter Jensen plant 105 native trees and shrubs in Bol Park.

See Photos - Read more

Our Tree, Our History 4th Grade Lesson

Canopy, Acterra, and City of Palo Alto teamed up to teach 88 4th Graders from Walter Hays Elementary about the history and ecology of El Palo Alto, the city's eponymous redwood tree.

See Photos

Canopy welcomes new staff members

Elise Willis

Urban Forestry Technician

Elise is working with Canopy part-time as she conducts two studies for the City of Palo Alto's Urban Forest Master Plan. Elise also works in the City of Palo Alto Development Center where she checks permits for the Urban Forestry division. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking and is excited to explore California's wonderful natural areas.

Shannon McDonald
Operations Coordinator

Shannon comes to Canopy after six months living in the jungle of Costa Rica. Prior to her travels, Shannon worked with community development and environmental nonprofits in roles such as public policy research, community outreach, and advocacy. She loves to spend her free time exploring new places, hiking, and practicing yoga.

Canopy plants and cares for trees where people need them the most. We bring the life-giving benefits of trees to the schools, neighborhoods, and public spaces of the San Francisco Mid-Peninsula.

Canopy is proud to be affiliated with:

Visit us online - Canopy Tree Library - Find an Arborist - Tree Hotline