April 2007 Newsletter
This is the online version of the newsletter. To download the print version, Click Here |
In This Issue....
YES - Trees are a Solution Johnny Appleseed Visits San Jose SchoolsVolunteer Spotlight- West S.J. Kiwanis Tree Watch - Saving Trees from the Axe Morrill Photos Thank You VolunteerThank You DonorsWish List Tree Amigo Training Begins May 9th! April 2007 Events April 4 - Morrill M. School Planting II * OCF outreach volunteer opportunities Click Here for current schedule
Climate Change Calculator Let us know if you are getting this bulletin in the mail and would prefer to only get through your email. Contact Us Photos from Morrill Middle School
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“Urban Tree Planting and Greenhouse Gas Reductions” – by Greg McPherson, Ph.D., Director of the USDAFS Center for Urban Forest Research Center at U.C. Davis, explains the important role of trees in fighting global climate change. March 12, 2007 (Edited Version)
Several stories have appeared recently in popular news outlets suggesting that trees are not a solution in the fight against global warming. These stories fail to capture the complexity of the role that city trees play in fighting global climate change. Trees reduce carbon dioxide in the air, thereby reducing the warming “greenhouse” effect of the gas, in two main ways. First, as they grow, they take carbon dioxide out of the air and transform it into roots, leaves, bark, flowers, and wood. Over the lifetime of a tree, several tons of carbon dioxide are taken up. In fact, trees are the only known feasible way to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Even if we were able to switch immediately to fuel sources that do not emit carbon dioxide, the current levels in the air are higher than at any time in the past 400,000 years, according to the UN’s International Panel on Climate Change, and because of the long “lifetime” of carbon dioxide, will remain so for decades or even centuries.
Second, by providing shade and transpiring water, trees lower air temperature and, therefore, cut energy use, which reduces the production of carbon dioxide at the power plant. Two-thirds of the electricity produced in the United States is created by burning a fuel (coal, oil, or natural gas) that produces carbon dioxide—on average, for every kilowatt hour of electricity created, about 1.39 lbs of carbon dioxide is released (eGRID 2002). It is certainly true that not emitting carbon dioxide in the first place is a good strategy. Lowering summertime temperatures by planting trees in cities is one way to reduce energy use and thereby reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
Answers to Common Questions
Are carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas reductions from tree planting temporary? In a sense, yes, greenhouse gas reductions are temporary if trees are removed and not replaced. To achieve long-term reductions, a population of trees must remain stable as a whole. This requires a diverse mix of species and ages so that the overall tree canopy cover remains intact, even as individual trees die and are replaced. Although sequestration rates will level off once an urban tree planting project reaches maturity, the reduced emissions due to energy savings will continue to accrue annually. Dead trees can be converted to wood products or used as bioenergy, further delaying, reducing, or avoiding greenhouse gas emissions.
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Are tree planting projects are “risky?” They may appear more risky than reducing emissions by building solar or wind farms because the tree-related climate benefits are less easy to document and because the 50- to 200-year life span of a tree seems less permanent than a new power plant. This uncertainty can be offset by legally binding instruments such as contracts, ordinances, and easements that guarantee tree canopy in perpetuity. And, of course, trees and alternative energy sources are not mutually exclusive—both have a place in reducing carbon dioxide emissions.
Will urban tree planting result in actual climate benefits? Extensive research shows that urban trees reduce summertime air temperatures through evapotranspiration and direct shading. This reduces energy consumption and the emissions related to energy generation. Recognizing the climate benefits of trees, the California Climate Action Team Report (2006) recommended planting 5 million trees in cities to reduce 3.5 million metric tons of carbon dioxide. Since 1990, Trees Forever, an Iowa-base nonprofit organization, has planted trees for energy savings and atmospheric carbon dioxide reduction with utility sponsorships . (editor’s note: this has also been done in Sacramento in partnership with SMUD)
Do tree planting projects give people a “feel-good illusion that they are slowing global warming?” The climate benefits of trees in cities are not an illusion, although they certainly feel good. Reductions in atmospheric carbon dioxide are achieved directly through sequestration and indirectly through emission reductions. Still, planting trees in cities should not be touted as a panacea to global warming. It is one of many, complementary bridging strategies, and it is one that can be implemented immediately. Moreover, tree planting projects provide myriad other social, environmental, and economic benefits that make communities better places to live. Of course, putting the right tree in the right place remains critical to optimizing these benefits and minimizing conflicts with other aspects of the urban infrastructure.
Please visit http://www.ourcityforest.org/articles_tree_solution.htm
for references and to read the original full-length article.
In celebration of California Arbor Day last month, Johnny Appleseed appeared at Cesár Chávez Elementary School and Piedmont Middle School, thanks to the sponsorship of Doug Anderson, owner of Anderson Tree Care in San José. Played by actor Tim Womick, Johnny Appleseed talked to the kids about conservation and the importance of trees. At Piedmont, the students also helped plant 133 trees, giving them the opportunity to put what they learned into practice.
Tim Womick is often referred to as the modern-day Johnny Appleseed, because like the original 
18th century tree advocate John Chapman, Tim has for well over a decade roamed across America (as well as through a few foreign countries), planting trees at schools, parks and other places, while also planting seeds of thought in the minds of those he meets.
Tim’s fast paced and highly animated Trail of Trees is really a “Tale of Trees,” educating people of all ages about the importance of trees, their value to a community’s well being and their own human potential. Through this dynamic and interactive hour-long program, those gathered are exposed to an array of tree magic, both contrived and natural, from the air we breathe to the foods we eat.
Tim used props as diverse as a large African drum, an abacus, a rayon dress and a squirt bottle. A bird’s nest was atop someone’s head while another student was sporting dark sunglasses and singing like Elvis. On this special occasion the kids never stopped smiling!
Volunteer Spotlight:
West San Jose Kiwanis Club
This month we are very proud to spotlight the West San Jose Kiwanis Club. The Kiwanis Club is an international organization that has existed since 1915. The Kiwanis Club is made up of men and women, united to serve children and their communities throughout the world.
We are lucky enough to have the West San Jose Kiwanis in our neck of the urban forest. Almost 13 years ago, Rocci Pisano, a Tree Amigo and Kiwanian that has since passed away, introduced the West San Jose Kiwanis to Our City Forest. Rocci Pisano is an unforgettable Tree Amigo that made a tremendous impact at Our City Forest. Even from his hospital bed, Rocci helped to plan a tree planting and tried to convince his doctor to allow him to attend. Although he wasn’t able to attend, he called his colleagues to make sure the tree planting had plenty of volunteers. The West San Jose Kiwanis continue to be active volunteers, making them our longest running volunteer group!
To maintain their commitment of serving children and the community and to honor Rocci, Jerry Neece, the current president of the West San Jose Kiwanis, sets up a monthly volunteer service day with OCF. The Kiwanis are top notch volunteers- planting trees that beautify schools and neighborhoods, help to clean the air, provide much needed shade, and improve the environment in countless other ways. This group is always willing to take on any challenge a tree planting may offer, including getting through rock hard soil and stubborn roots.
Jerry told us that among his favorite tree plantings are the projects at Del Mar High School. Throughout the years, the Kiwanis have planted many trees at the high school. The trees are at different stages of growth and it is amazing to see the fruits of past projects along with the newly planted trees.
For all of your hard work, Our City Forest thanks the members of West San Jose Kiwanis!
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Above- A replacement tree stands in contrast to the saved mature tulip tree next door. |
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The tree above was saved by the advocacy efforts of concerned residents. |
Tree Watch - Saving Trees from the Axe
As an urban forestry group, Our City Forest is not only interested in planting trees, but in saving them. Even the fastest growing trees take years to provide a fraction of the benefits of a mature tree.
The photo immediately to the right graphically shows that difference. On the right is a large tulip tree that was saved. On the left is a replacement tree for a mature tulip tree that was removed.
With the attention from the recent illegal removal in Willow Glen, there has been a noticeable increase in public interest in strengthening laws protecting city trees and stopping unwarranted tree removals before they begin.
Advocates such as OCF Tree Amigo Doris Livezey take the time to write letters, send e-mails, and make phone calls protesting proposed removals, often with success. The trees are marked with a pink notice with information on how to protest the removal.
For more information on saving trees, visit www.ourcityforest.org, and click on Tree Advocacy.
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Theses three trees (left, above and right)are examples of topping, an unacceptable tree pruning practice. Ask your tree trimming company if they top trees. If they say “Yes” call a different arborist. |
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Visit www.ourcityforest.org for more information, and request free copies of the Tree City USA Bulletin “Don’t Top Trees!” for you to distribute.
Wish List
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-Class Announcement-
Tree Amigo Training Starts May 9
Class Schedule
Classroom Sessions (6:00 - 8:00 PM). . . . . . . . . May 9, 16, 23, 30
Field Sessions (9:00 AM - 12:00). . . . . . . . . . . . . May 12, 19, June 2
Sign Up Today! - (408) 998-7337
Thank You Volunteers -Partial listing
Since April 2006
Tree Amigos |
Friends of OCF (Continued) |
Friends of OCF (Continued) Birgit Kalvelage Mr. Kamacho Anoop Kamboj Greg Kane Erika Katwan Andrew Kavanagh Sue Kawamoto Kellie Kemp Michael Kenniston John Kettmann Akbar Khan Evan Kiely Jim Kilty Nelson King Shanon Knickerbocker John Knickerbocker David Ko Sharon Kojima Jamey Kojima Steve Koshland Amanda Kretsch Don Kretsch Hans Krober Aayush Kumar Parth Kumar Royal Kwock Eddie Lam Michelle Lan Christine Landau Leslie Lang Shawnie Lauer Larry Lauro Jill Lauro Sean Lavey Georgia Law Nathan Law Pearl Law Stephanie LaZarowich Becky Le Diem Le Garrey Learmonth Joe Leblanc Damon Lee Hannah Lee Sam Lee Sangbong Lee William Lee Patrick Lefaver Chris Leon David Li Tao Li Yixin Li Sonia Lieu The Lieu Chih Lung Lin Edgar Linn Leahd Lipkin Ziv Lipkin Iris Liu Zhiping Liu Karen Lo Madelyn Loens Theresa Loens Guillermina Lopez Alonzo Lopez Israel Lopez Maria Luisa Lopez Rafael Lopez Rene Lopez Martha Lopez Robert Lopez John Lougaris Christy Lucero Bob Lutz Quoc Ly Samantha Ly Landon Maas Kiel MacDonald Andrew Macferran Marci Macferran William Machale Chuck Madrid Margaret Madrid Tory Magtoto Torrance Magtotz Massoud Mahmoudi Travis Maier Kelly Makela Kevin Mallon Peter Mallorca Melanie Manssen Theresa Marcroft Jose Marinaz Marjorie Marley Wendy Marly Rick Marovich Alexa Marquez Candice Marquez Ezequiel Marquez Maria Marrufo Arleen Marshall David Marshall Barbara Marshman Ruie Martin Claudia Martinez Rafael Martinez Sonia Martinez Lelia Mata George Mavrakis Lowell Mazon Toni Mazzanti Janine Mc Curdy Michael Mc Curdy Erin McCanley Mari McCarthy Richard Mccord Dennis McDowell Larry D. McElmuray Michael McGee Jamie McGuire Peter McKenna Jim McKeon Amy McKeon Michael Medefesser Mark Medeiros Leticia Medina Jay Mednii Darby Meehan Maria Mendez Deepti Menon Ron Mercer Kristin Merriman Eric Merriman James Metcalf Barbara Metzler Paul Meyer Fran Meyer Julietta Mihai Audrey Miller Charlotte Miller Jake Miller John Miller Barbara Minneti John Miranda Chris Monahan Joshua Moo Alex Moore Curt Moore Benjamin Moreno Scott Morrella Hanna Morris Winona Morrison Chris Mosley Nick Moss Faye Mowery Jackie Mullarky Felicia Mulvany Francisco Muniz Mark Muraoka Robert Murdock Giovana Murguia Elena Murphy Hoc N. HVA Angelica Nanez Mayra Nanez Sonia Nanez Dominique Nasmeh Veronica Navarette Anthony Navarro Brian Neal Donielle Neddeau Jerry Neece Joe Nevarez Matt Nevins David Ngo Bobby Nguyen Christine Nguyen Dung Nguyen Hoa Nguyen Hoang Nguyen Hoangdan Nguyen Hong Nguyen Huong Nguyen Johnny Nguyen Kathy Nguyen Khiem Nguyen Kiet Nguyen Madison Nguyen Peter Nguyen Tien Nguyen Tri Nguyen Tu Nguyen Tuan Nguyen TuAnh Nguyen Vinh Nguyen Rik Nicholson John Nielsen Lou Nisich Ben Nissan Martin Noguez Jessica Norsev Orlando Nunes Richard Nyberg Michael O’Brien Robert O’Brien Michael O’Connor Nancy O’Connor Gwyne O’ Dwyer Emin Okanovich Joe Olen Joseph Olen Stephan Oliver Jennifer Olsen Norma Ortiz Dick Ose Neil Ose Doug Ownbey Eric Oxner Mike Palla Debbie Palmer Trevor Pardee Daphne Pareas Louis Park Kenneth Parker Larry Parola Athayai Parthiban Greg Pavloff Tetyana Pecherska Manuel Perez Jason Perkins Pamela Peters Brent Peterson Jennifer Petursson Kevin Peyton Tammy Pham Anna Pie Nancy Pierce Mickey Pierce Darlene Pizarro |
Friends of OCF (Continued) Pat Pizzo Mark Platt Thomas Powell Michael Powers Paraq Pradham Marcie Pullman Moises Quinones Jack Radigan Dave Radke Andrew Raffanti Dave Raiman Sathya Rajan Christine Ramirez Christy Ramirez Jaime Ramirez Rolando Ramirez Gary L. Randalls Jeannine Randazzo Sachin Rao Ashok Rathi Seema Rathi Nancy Raynaud Philippe Raynaud Heather Reagan Jayarami Reddy Gary Reece Greg Reggiardo Kaylene Reid George Richs Christine Ridout Tim Ridout Eliza Riley Steve Rios Anna Rios Cecilia Rios Cynthia Rios Juan Rios Joseph Rivas Gloria Rivera Andre Rivera Mary Rivera Judy Robinson Scott Robinson Eduardo Rocha Maria Rodgers Sarah Rodgers Irene Rodriguez Jim Rogers Laura Rogers Andrea Roland Andy Romero Ana Rosa Delgado Mario Rosas Michael Rubino Linda Rufener Liz Ruiz Louis Ruiz Maria Ruiz Adam Rule Gary Rummelhoff Linda Russo Jose Ruvalcaba Vanessa Sadueste Otila Salazar Bernardo Saluta Robert Salvatierra Lisa Salvatierra Jose Sanchez Joseph Sandoval Everardo Santana Bob Santos Ranju Sarma Stephanie Scheno Jason Schepes Aaron Schneider Fred Schorr Jenessa Schwartz Alex Scott Heather Scott Tom Scott Jake Scullion Ann Marie Seefeldt Mike Segal Larry Serrano Premkumar Settyhariram Robert Seum Vandana Shah Praful Shah Akshay Sharma Connie Shaw Cyndi Sherman Matt Shields Cheryl Shimizn Maria Shriver Tricia Shukwit Gordon Shukwit Carol Signor Paul Sim Joseph Singh Nirmal Singh Viren Singh Angela Sinh Betty Slater Bob Slater Denise Smith Jason Smith Julie Smith Preston Smith Randall Smith Robert Smith Ramona Snyder Kasi Sockalingham Sandra Soellner Walter Soellner Lorena Solis Gina Solorio Chen Song Ruben Soto Graciela Soto Manuel Sousa Christina Sparacino Michael Spencer David Spiros Adriana Spragg Chris Spreier Danielle Spreier Richard Stahler Phyllis Stanler Kathleen Staub Tim Steinkopf Deb Steinkopf Bobby Joe Stewart Nicandro Subida Linna Sumarli Kristi Sun Anirudh Suvarna Miguel SuVasquez Lonnie Swarringim Bruce Swarringim Steve Sweet Teresa Tacheco Andrea Tan Jimmy Tang Sophie Tao Paola Tarantino Eleni Tassos Julie Thai Nam Thai Cathy Thiemann Patty Thompson Cathy Thrush Thomas Thrush Priya Thumm Tan To Loren Toews Trung Tong Guillermo Torres Yolanda Torres Yolanda Torrez Giang Tran Lee Tran Thanh Tran Se Van Tran Craig Travis Richard Tretten Jeff Trevarthen Richard Trevisan Michael Trevisano David Tristram Yi Tong Tse Nicholas Tsoi Sebastian Tucker Tzi-Heng Tung Patricia Tuohino Kevin Turner Surabhi Tyengar Samuel & Julieta Usal Enrique Valadez Noe Valenzuela Vicky Vandenberg Sammy Vandenburg Rosa Vera Meaghan Verdugo Kaity Vihig Anyssa Vilianueva Alyssa Villanueva Kaitlyn Vitug Anthony Vo Jennifer Vo John Vo Thinh Vo Phong Vu Colleen Wagner Alan H. Wang Grant Wasson Neil Weisman Christina Werner Brittany White Dana White Ben White Adelina Whitecrow Jerry Wiebe Mary Wiebe Merryle Wiese David Williams John Williams Keller Williams Joy Woertman Jerelyn Wong Peck Wong Steven Wong Zhi Wong Zaher Yalda Alan Yamaguchi Daniel Yang Helen Yang Sara Yang John Yao Theresa Yates Gina Yates Matt Yavak Gabrielle Yee Cindy Yip Joseph Yip Justin Yip Sieg Yoder Kaori Yoshinaga Janet Yost Mimi Young Thomas Yu Tim Zapien Brittney Zavala Glenn Vander Zee Kenny Zhang Kurt Zimmermann Suelyn Zimmermann Artem Zinin Nancy Zurbrick Ben Zussman |
Thank You Donors -Partial listing
Since April 2006
Majestic Oaks ($500+) Redwood Circle ($100-$500) |
Tree Ambassadors (up to $100) |
Tree Ambassadors (Cont.) Heather Grotenhuis Dylan Groves Ann & Sigurd Hadlund Gareth Hagen Michelle & David Hamerslough Michael Harrington Allison Hatzenbuhler David & Cheryl Heiman Scott & Tanya Heirigs Dennis & Helen Heller Grace Herrera Tom & Christine Herrington Martha Heuttl Robert & Maralee Hicks Vicki Higgins Hung Xuan Hoang Lyal & Linda Holmberg Home Depot De Anza Joaquin & Joan Homen Il Goo Hwang Frances Ireland Beverly Jarvis Frances Jimenez Marla Johanning Catherine Johnson Richard Johnson Gregory & Maureen Kane Sumiko Kawamoto Joseph Kazimieras Michael Kenniston Kogura Company Bernice, Peter & Lance Krieger Lai Nguyen Chiropractic, Inc Lavina & Kaye Lake Jacklyn or Shala Larsen Larry Lauro Irene Ma Lee Rosa & Samuel Lee Barbara Lewis The Tho Lieu John & La Donna Lindquist E.R. & K.A. Linn Juinn-Tao Liu Gail Lopez Rene Lopez Robert & Martha Lopez John & Monica Lougaris Paul Lucero Quoc Ly Eileen Madej Peter Mandon Ruie Martin George & Thelma Mavrakis J.C. & Jeanne May Dennis McDowell Elizabeth McGhee Duncan McGibbon Caroline McKiernan Desiree Mehrabian Ronald Mercer Naoki Misawa George & Virginia Miskulin Nanubhai Mistry Christopher & Susan Monahan Grace Morganti Nydia & Marcelo Mota Mark Muraoka Kathryn & Robert Murdock Jack Nadeau Herbert & Dorothy Nagamine J. Narunsky David & Christina Ngo Houng Thien Nguyen |
Tree Ambassadors (Cont.) Michio & Michelle Ninokata Northwind Properties, Ltd. Robert O’Brien Judi Oleari Orchard Supply Hardware Sujata Pamidi Petronella Pang Gregory Pavloff John Pedersen Yolanda Pelache Manuel & Anita Perez Barbara Perry Margaret Peterson Mickey Pierce Helia Pishva Frank Polizzi Thomas & Hiroko Powell Presentation High SEAS Susan Price-Jang Pierino Primon Judith Pugh Antonio Quinene Arvinder Rai James Ramoni Maureen A. Ricketts John & Shiho Ristow Marilyn Rodgers Irene & Rogelio Rodriguez John Rossi John Rothermel Arlyn Rowland Bernardo & Edith Saluta May van Scherrenburg Catarino & Rosemary Segura Robert Selinske Joseph Shackelford Anna Shantz Roxanne Sheets Levi & Ella Shiver Lois Smith Tracy Smith Kenneth & Priscilla Solberg Ruben Soto Dennis Spielbauer Charuwan Sripinyo Beverly & Roy Stephens R.W. Stillwagon Michael & Wolfgang Strauss Jean Sutherland Kathy Sutherland Christine Thompson Tan To Trader Joe’s Campbell Loan Tran Thanh Tran Kham Truong Loui Tucker Phong Van Vu Bertha & Carl Ward Washington Mutual Bank Leonard Weiss Weston Miles Architects, Inc. B.T White William White Jeffrey Widman Meilani & Michael Widodo-Medefesser David Williams John & Dorothy Williams Albert & Nancy Wilmot J.A. Wilson Cindy Wong Marilyn Yanez Sabine A. Zappe |
Eco-Silicon Valley
Eco-Silicon Valley - "Making is easy to be green" - www.ecosiliconvalley.org
©2006 Our City Forest - 595 Park Ave. Suite 100, San Jose, CA 95110 - (408) 99-TREES - www.ourcityforest.org