Spring 2011 Newsletter's Lead Story

Planting trees for Senior Citizens

A love of trees started early for San José resident Lou Anderson. At the age of six, Anderson started saving money to buy trees for his farm in the foothills. “My dad said I had to earn it, so I had to cut wood to save money. I had to cut a lot of wood!” 87-year-old Anderson chuckled.
Read more...
(Click to download the PDF of the Spring Print Newsletter)

Fall 2010 Newsletter's Lead Story

Inventory Intern Spotlight

At the core of Our City Forest’s values is a belief that volunteers with the proper training and support can accomplish anything. And this summer, a group of dedicated community members proved us right once again.
Read more...
(Click to download the PDF of the Fall Print Newsletter)

Spring 2010 Newsletter's Lead Story

Make Your Tree Count

This Earth Day, San José Mayor Chuck Reed will join Our City Forest to launch a new program for tracking the planting of 100,000 trees over the next decade. Called “Every Tree Counts!”, it allows San José residents, schools, businesses and agencies to go online and record the trees they plant for San José’s Green Vision goal.
Read more...
(Click to download the PDF of the Spring Print Newsletter)

Winter 2010 Newsletter's Lead Story

Managing Stormwater with Trees

Trees provide a canopy that shades concrete-laden cities during summer, lowering temperatures. But that same canopy also works hard in the rainy winter season to reduce stormwater runoff.
Read more...
(Click to download the PDF of the Winter Print Newsletter)

November 2009 Newsletter's Lead Story

100k Tree Project Update

Thanks to the City of San José and a generous grant from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF), Our City Forest (OCF) will begin development of a community tree nursery in order to help achieve the Green Vision goal of planting 100,000 trees.
Read more...
(Click to view online version of the November Newsletter)

October 2009 Newsletter's Lead Story

Margaret & 7th Street



In an incredible show of support, more than 100 volunteers came out over two days, helping plant 48 trees on this steep embankment near downtown San Jose. Thanks go to Councilmember Sam Liccardo, Tree Amigo Paul Robinson and volunteers from Kennedy Middle School, SJSU's Day of Service, Grant Thornton, LLP and SJSU's Res Life for their hard work and commitment to service!
Read more...
(Click to view online version of the October Newsletter)

Spring 2009 Newsletter's Lead Story

Green Additions Along Moorpark Avenue

Next time you drive down Moorpark Avenue by San José City College, take note of the 27 beautiful Coast Live Oak trees (Quercus agrifolia) planted along this busy thoroughfare above Highway 280. Thanks to the hard work of community volunteers, a once barren strip of soil and sidewalk will now be shaded by California natives.
Read more...
(Click to view online version of the Spring Newsletter)

Fall 2008 Newsletter's Lead Story

Free Air Conditioners!

Do you want to reduce your energy bill? Plant a tree in your yard where it will block the afternoon sun. Strategically planted shade trees can reduce air conditioning demand - and costs - up to 30%. Fueled by sun, soil and water, tree's are nature's air conditioning!
Read more...
(Click to view online version of the Fall Newsletter)

Spring 2008 Newsletter's Lead Story

Trees vs. Solar Panels

A Santa Clara County judge recently ruled in favor of solar panel owners and ordered a Sunnyvale household to cut away two trees which shaded their neighbor’s panels. Given that the trees were planted four years before the installation of the panels, the order shocked many. However, the ruling was based on a State law passed in 1978 mandating the trimming or removal of any trees that grow to block solar panel’s access to sunlight during mid-day hours. Read more...
(Click to view online version of the Spring Newsletter)

Winter 2008 Newsletter's Lead Story

Nipping it in the Bud - Healthy Trees Program

It’s a big job, but someone’s gotta do it! Our goal? To provide care to at least 8,000 young trees over the next year! This ambitious new program, Healthy Trees, has been made possible with a grant from the California Department of Forestry. This long awaited funding allows OCF to provide additional care, including pruning, to the young trees we have provided to neighborhoods, schools, and parks. Read more...
(Click to view online version of the Winter Newsletter)

Fall 2007 Newsletter's Lead Story

Team Arrives to Green San José



The Our City Forest office was abuzz October 2nd as a small group of staff awaited new team members. After months of interviewing and extensive preparation, the OCF family would finally meet its 22 community service members face-to-face. Thanks to federal funding through a three-year AmeriCorps grant, the once small organization has quintupled in size, adding a fresh group of dedicated individuals to an already remarkable team. Read more... (Click to view online version of the Fall Newsletter)

Thank you to Christopher & Jill Escher for their generous donation that made the tree mobile possible. Above: Vice Mayor Dave Cortese stands with the Eschers and OCF President Rhonda Berry at the Tree Mobile launching event.

May 2007 Newsletter's Lead Story

Spring Planting Blitz
Arena Green, one of Guadalupe River Parks & Gardens sweet spots, received 32 native trees from the nonprofit Our City Forest as part of a spring frenzy which rooted a total of 973 shade trees during March and April. Joining our veteran Tree Amigos and West San José Kiwanis members at the park were esteemed guests San José Mayor Chuck Reed, Dist. 3 Councilmember Sam Liccardo and Dist. 9 Councilmember Judy Chirco. Despite the drizzle, everyone grabbed a shovel and dug in. Read more... (Click to view online version of May Newsletter)

April 2007 Newsletter's Lead Story

YES - Trees are a Solution
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. Read more... (Click to view online version of April Newsletter)

March 2007 Newsletter's Lead Story

V.E.P. Community Digs In
The VEP Neighborhood Association hosted a unique tree planting event spanning two weekends, which featured incredible local resident support. In fact, over fifty volunteers were on hand each day, helping plant trees, install irrigation, and beautify the empty lot on the corner of Branham Lane and Narvaez Avenue. Read more... (Click to view online version of March Newsletter)

February 2007 Newsletter's Lead Story

Tree Removals Cause Outrage in Willow Glen
If you’ve been watching the evening news or reading the paper recently, it’s been hard to miss the stories about three large California native sycamore trees that were illegally removed in Willow Glen last month. The trees resided on private property, but were large enough to require a city permit for removal. Read more... (Click to download pdf of February Newsletter)

January 2007 Newsletter's Lead Story

Trees for All
While all residents surely appreciate receiving free shade trees and assistance from Our City Forest, those with physical limitations due to arthritis or other such ailments are especially grateful. In the past year alone, 255 trees were planted by OCF for such residents through its “Trees for All” program. Read more... (Click to view online version of January Newsletter)

December 2006 Newsletter's Lead Story

KONA Neighbors Dig In
In mid-November the KONA Neighborhood (King Ocala Neighborhood Area) hosted a tree planting that drew over fifty volunteers and brought together a community.
Organized by Gloria Rivera with help from OCF’s Planting Coordinator Jennifer Albin, the event attracted strong community support from residents and local businesses. Volunteers on hand included members of the Lynbrook Key Club and students from San Jose State. Other outstanding support came in the form of donated food and supplies from local restaurants and stores. Read more... (Click to view online version of December 's Newsletter)

November 2006 Newsletter's Lead Story

Maria Shriver Knows What it Takes



First Lady Maria Shriver came to San José to help plant trees on October 3rd and left with an appreciation of the state-of-the-art methods and technical training required for success. The purpose of her visit was to launch CaliforniaVolunteers.org, a new program of the California Service Corporation (CSC). Our Tree Amigos made us proud showing Maria and the other VIPs how to plant and stake a 15-gallon tree. Maria noted that our volunteers are “shining examples” of volunteerism, which is why she chose Our City Forest to be the project site for this kick-off event. Read more... (Click to view online version of November 's Newsletter)

October 2006 Newsletter's Lead Story

Global Warming
The reality of global warming finally appears to be beyond dispute. As our collective acceptance of global warming grows, our creative energy to make changes and minimize the impacts grows as well. We observe legislators, bureaucrats and individuals stepping beyond the denial of the past and taking action on behalf of a sustainable future. Read more... (Click to Download pdf of the October Newsletter)

September 2006 Newsletter's Lead Story

It Takes 5 Years to Plant a Tree....Correctly!
Despite the fact that San José’s hottest months - July and August - cause a tree planting slow-down, it’s not difficult for Our City Forest staff and volunteers to stay extremely busy. The hot weather provides an ample window of opportunity to step up such tree care efforts as stake removal, watering inspections and structural pruning. Read more... (Click to Download pdf of the September Newsletter)

August 2006 Newsletter's Lead Story

Summer of Service
Every summer, Our City Forest partners with the San Jose Children’s Discovery Museum in a program called Summer of Service (SOS). The program gives children the opportunity to serve their community through volunteerism in a variety of areas, including mentoring, leadership, and the environment. Read more... (Click to Download pdf of the August Newsletter)

June 2006 Newsletter's Lead Story

A Big Win for the Environment
The Environmental Issues Forum for San José mayoral candidates, held May 15th, was a significant day for the environment. This landmark event was the first ever candidate forum to focus solely on issues relating to the environment. The meeting room was packed to capacity with 180 attendees listening to candidates share their knowledge and experience on a variety of environmental issues and policies. Read more... (Click to Download pdf of June Newsletter)

May 2006 Newsletter's Lead Story

North Willow Glen Trees Get Respect
When a neighborhood association’s “Quality of Life Statement” includes a section entitled “Respect A Tree,” you know the residents are serious about their trees. Such is the case with the North Willow Glen Neighborhood Association, organized in 2002. A vintage neighborhood built largely between 1900-1930, trees are definitely one of its major assets: walk down any street to find mature sycamore, redwood, oak, walnut, pecan and ash trees, many over 75 years old. Read more... (Click to Download pdf of May Newsletter)

April 2006 Newsletter's Lead Story

April is Earth & Arbor Month!
April 22 is Earth Day, and April 28 is National Arbor day. See how you can celebrate with Our City Forest at tree plantings, classes, or special events. This newsletter is eight pages of information and photos, so be sure to give it some extra time to download!! Read more... (Click to Download pdf of April Newsletter)

March 2006 Newsletter's Lead Story

Horace Mann Neighbors have a Green Understanding
It’s early Saturday morning... do you know where your neighbor is? Planting trees, of course! Taking full advantage of our moderate climate, residents and volunteers met Saturday, February 12 in the Horace Mann Neighborhood to plant a dozen trees. Read more... (Click to Download pdf of March Newsletter)

February 2006 Newsletter's Lead Story

Volunteers: Our Heart & Soul
Without the help of many hard-working volunteers, it would not be possible for Our City Forest to make as large an impact in our community. Every weekend people give selflessly of their time to ensure more trees are planted in areas that need them most. With so many faithful helpers, it quickly becomes difficult to spotlight just one. At January’s volunteer meeting, we recognized a very worthy volunteer: Tree Amigo Louie Urbina. Also, OCF is looking for committed volunteers to fill some key positions. We hope you will consider interviewing for one of these important roles. Read more... (Click to Download pdf of February Newsletter)

January 2006 Newsletter's Lead Story

Trees & Sewer Lines- Getting to the "Root" of the Problem
Trees are often falsely accused of invading sewer lines and causing homeowners much grief. Normally, it is not the tree that is at fault. Read more... (See pdf of January Newsletter)

December 2005 Newsletter's Lead Story

Alarming Trends Diminish Forest
Have you noticed an increase of street trees being butchered of removed? Despite the fact that City permits are required ro remove or prune a street tree, many forge ahead without them. Read more... (See pdf of December Newsletter)

November 2005 Newsletter's Lead Story

Neighborhood Unity Takes Center Stage
October began with great expectations for tree plantings and a full calendar. It did not disappoint, with many memorable events, including the well publicized Race Street planting (Thanks to a great article September 16 by Leigh Weimers in the San Jose Mercury News), Buena Vista Planting, Blewett Neighborhood, Silver Creek High, San Antonio Unidos, Plata Arroyo, and the Newhall Neighborhood. Read more... (See pdf of November Newsletter)

October 2005 Newsletter's Lead Story

A Bounty of Fall Tree Plantings
As the days grow shorter, the list of tree planting events on the OCF calendar grows longer, including school plantings at Pathfinder and Silver Creek High Schools, Castlemont Elementary, Toyon Elementary, Parkview Elementary, Lynhaven Elementary, and Miller Elementary. Fall is an ideal time of year to plant trees, according to OCF Arborist Christian Bonner. Trees planted now have the winter months to let their roots grow deep before having to expend energy growing a green canopy of leaves. (See pdf of October Newsletter)

September 2005 Newsletter's Lead Story

Tree Heroes Emerge!
August ended with exuberant spirits and a high activity level as the 1,000 Teens – 1,000 Trees campaign built momentum. Over 230 youth were engaged in our summer programs which included plantings, tree maintenance, and the renovation of the OCF tree bank. (See pdf of September Newsletter)

August 2005 Newsletter's Lead Story

1,000 Teens — 1,000 Trees: Youth Campaign in Full Swing
Under the direction and leadership of counselors Nathan Hoang and Patricia Martinez from the Santa Clara County Juvenile Probation Department, a group of young people have been instrumental in helping us accomplish our summer operational goals–including tree planting, tree care, and the ultimate OCF tree bank renovation project. Although this group is given community service hours by the county's probation department, they can choose where to complete those hours. And they chose Our City Forest. (Read more in pdf of August Newsletter)

July 2005 Newsletter's Lead Story

Spring Planting Season Ends with a Flurry
Our spring planting season ended with a flurry of projects around the city including the Coyote Creek Trail planting in Milpitas where volunteers from the Sunnyhills Youth Association and OCF Tree Amigos Franci Card and Ed Mosqueda planted 40 alders (photos on the left). The project, funded by ABAG, was coordinated by Carol Randisi from Milpitas Public Works. Volunteers included Christy Ho, Hein Tran and Thanh Pham from the Sunnyhills Youth Association and Project Manager Gail Seeds. Another successful planting was at Vista Park where professional photographer and Vista Park Community President Jeri Arstingstall documented the event. (See pdf of July Newsletter)

June 2005 Newsletter's Lead Story

San José Sentinel Tree Lives On
highlight among this season’s many tree events was the planting of a sapling cloned from San José’s original sentinel tree – a 200 year-old, giant sycamore that once grew on the 500 block of North 21st. This grand old tree, removed in March 2000 because it had hollowed out and was towering over a nearby home, was once the oldest living thing in San José. (See pdf of June Newsletter)

May 2005 Newsletter's Lead Story

Growing and Tending the Earth
The green season is well underway and April's planting momentum continues as May's calendar fills up. One of the highlights of the past month was a 98 tree planting at Brooktree Elementary School with the help of Tree Amigos Carol Arnoldy, Nancy Ramie, and Martin Renteria! And the month ended with the plantng of the remaining cutting from the historic Sentinel Sycamore Tree on Arbor Day. Spirits were high at schools and neighborhoods as children and adults planted trees, beautified their surroundings and celebrated Earth Day. (See PDF of May Newsletter)

March 2005 Newsletter's Lead Story

Tree Treasure Hunt
I drove down Willow Glen Way one afternoon and a majestic sycamore growing in a small front yard captured my attention and took my breath away. Later I looked at the list of heritage trees posted on the OCF website and there it was — a magnificent California Sycamore with a 72” diameter. I wondered what other spectacular trees graced our urban forest. Inspired by my unplanned discovery, I took a drive around my neighborhood with the list of heritage trees in hand. I found half a dozen within blocks of each other like a beautiful California Bay tucked away at the end of Brace Street and 3 large diameter cedars at 800 Malone. (Look for their photos on our website)
I also found other memorable trees that are not yet on the list like the magnolia on Newport Drive and an olive tree with a rippled trunk on Blewett. A self-guided tour is a perfect way to celebrate California Arbor Day on March 7th! (See pdf of March Newsletter)

February 2005 Newsletter's Lead Story

Reading, Writing and Planting!
In these days of budget cuts and no frills spending, it is reassuring to know that our schools recognize the many benefits of having trees on their grounds and seek our help for their beautification projects. Students, parents and teachers from O. B. Whaley and Bagby Elementary Schools, Ida Price Middle School, and Santa Teresa and Overfelt High Schools came out in droves during January to plant their new shade trees from Our City Forest. And on February 9th, Evergreen Valley College will also plant. They all get high marks in our book! (see PDF of February Newsletter)

January 2005 Newsletter's Lead Story

Tree Santas Brighten Holidays

Tree Amigos and volunteers from First Covenant Church in Willow Glen delivered 30 living trees to needy resients on December 19th. Tree recipients were delighted. Delivery day coincided with one recipient's birthday and another shared that he hadn't had a tree in ten years. Those who delivered the trees left with a warm glow and a commitment to participate next year. Special thanks to Orchard Supply Hardware stores in San José for their generosity this holiday season. (see PDF of January Newsletter)

December 2004 Newsletter's Lead Story

Pruning Workshop Big Hit with San José City Employees

San José City employees from six different departments gathered at the Water Pollution Control Plant in Alviso on November 18th for a pruning workshop led by OCF arborist Christian Bonner and Senior Maintenance Worker Don Zonic. Along with Tree Amigos Louie Urbina and Pierre Tardif, participants came from the Department of Transportation, General Services, Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services, Public Works, and the Airport. Whatever their job description, the one thing they all have in common is responsibility for tree care, but yet have little or no training in the art and science of pruning. As one maintenance worker put it, "I feel like I'm just guessing". All expressed a keen interest in learning the proper pruning techniques required for the long term health of trees.
The workshop emphasized how to make proper pruning cuts and which cuts are needed to create good tree structure and form. Participants also received hands-on practical experience by structurally pruning 20 of the 60 trees planted by OCF at the site since 2002. As a result of the training, hundreds of city trees will be healtheir and safer, requiring less long term maintenance and saving taxpayer dollars. (see PDF of December Newsletter)

November 2004 Newsletter's Lead Story

Tropicana Homework Center Embraces New Trees

"I love our trees," exclaimed Brittany Hobbs, a homework center student at the Tropicana Community House in East San José. Brittany takes her commitment to care for the trees seriously and often stays late to water them. She is just one of 19 students who attend the center ater school and take pride in caring for the eight trees they helped plant with Our City Forest in June 2004.

Guiding the students is 22-year-old San Jose State University studen Robert Castanade, director of the homework center. "Planting trees at the center this year has given the children a sense of pride," said Robert. "The trees help make our neighborhood beautiful and that means a lot." l (see more photos of the homework center students). Thank you to Tropicana Community House Director Andres Garces for this story idea submitted with the tree health report to OCF last month. (see PDF of November Newsletter)

October 2004 Newsletter's Lead Story

Growing the Team – Growing the Forest

I recently had an opportunity to particpate in an outreach event sponsored by Presentation High School. The participants were all local nonprofit and service oriented organizations that offered volunteer opportunities to the students in exchange for community service hours – a requirement in most high schools.

The Our City Forest display board was met with squeals of recognition by many students. They had already planted a tree as part of their environmental club activities—and they were eager to do it again.

Their enthusiasm brought newcomers to the table and when I told them what OCF did, they responded with a bright, "I want to plant a tree!" And so they signed up. It was an easy job, an easy day. I felt proud that Our City Forest has such a wonderful reputation in the community. There are five more outreach opportunities in October alone including a Family Day at History Park and the Youth Science Institute's Wildlife Festival (see calender of upcoming events). Consider staffing an OCF table for a few hours. Letting visitors at outreach events know the work we do in bringing trees and people together is a rewarding activity and helps expand OCF's image and effectiveness in the community. It is also a great way to make new friends. Call 99-TREES to sign up for an event. (see PDF of October Newsletter)

September 2004 Newsletter's Lead Story

Green Wave Due to Hit Shore!

Your nonprofit tree organization has toiled throughout the past year not only
planting over 2,200 trees but raising money for the coming year! As a result,
more than 2,000 free 15- gallon shade trees for streets, parks and schools are
available for 2004-2005. So get in the “Splash Zone” and experience this
year’s green wave. All neighborhood areas of San José are eligible for
free trees although the total number available varies by section of the city.
Neighborhood and school groups interested in planting 12 or more trees
may submit a simple tree grant application (PDF file) and begin the project
planning phase within one week. Those requesting fewer trees are
placed on a slightly longer waiting list. Print our application form and
faxed or mail to OCF.

By the way....Our City Forest was hit hard by a City of S.J. budget cut, so we
need your help. Additional fundraising continues in order to provide technical
assistance, project coordination, truck/gas expenses, educational materials,
volunteer training, insurance, tree maintenance, and to track all trees for 3 years.
Donations to OCF are tax-deductible and are always welcome.
Thanks for your support. (see PDF of September Newsletter With Photos)

August 2004 Newsletter's Lead Story

Smog-Busters Rescue Hot
and Dusty San José Highway

Monterey Highway in San José has long been one of the city’s best
examples of an urban heat island. Long stretches of vast asphalt,
cement and barren medians with few trees in sight have created a
super-hot, dusty, and ugly thoroughfare. Our City Forest proposed
a tree planting campaign not only for the highway medians but for
nearby neighborhoods impacted by high volume auto emissions this
roadway generates. The State Resources Agency responded with a
grant to plant 1,600 15-gallon shade trees and this campaign has
quietly unfolded over the past 2+ years (see PDF of August Newsletter With Photos)

Thank you to all of the OCF Tree Amigos, West San José Kiwanis
Club members, Starbucks’ employees and other volunteers who did
the hard work, planting in Monterey Highway neighborhoods, parks,
schools, and median islands from Curtner Avenue to Bernal Road.
The most rigorous effort was the planting of 146 trees in the center
median islands along a 3 mile stretch from Pullman Road south to
Blossom Hill Road. Under the direction of OCF Arborist Christian
Bonner, this phase alone involved 110 volunteers – working over
250 hours at seven separate plantings to get the trees in the ground
properly so they will survive and thrive.

A significant obstacle blocking the median island tree plantings was lack of
City funding to install irrigation within the median strip itself, where hand-
watering by residents was deemed too risky. Faced with a looming deadline
and the possibility of not being able to carry out the median island face lift,
OCF went back to Sacramento and obtained permission to use $25,000
of its State tree grant for the irrigation, making it possible to complete the
project. OCF is now seeking local grants and donations to replace this lost
funding. Thanks for assistance from the San José Department of
Transportation in helping coordinate the irrigation installation. In the not
too distant future, a beautiful shade canopy will grace this major thoroughfare.

July 2004 Newsletter's Lead Story

Planet Tree Presentations Teach
Children about Urban Ecology

"Where is the nearest forest?" I asked the 4th graders at Carson Elementary School.
"In Yosemite?" said one child. "Up north?" said another. "No," I said. "Closer."
The eager faces scrunched up, puzzled now but still trying to come up with
the answer. Finally one bright sutdent called out, "It's here!" "Yes"
I said. "We have a forest right here in the city!" And so began a forty
minute interactive presentation that engaged students and teachers
alike. The younger grades loved acting out how a seed became a tree
(see Planet Tree program page). And the older children liked playing the
parts of a forest ecology.