2012 Year in Review
National Forestry Conference Spotlights UFEST Program
On November 14th, Director of Education Gregory Tarver, Jr. delivered an outstanding presentation spotlighting our Urban Forest Education and Stewardship Training Program at the Partners in Community Forestry Conference in Sacramento. He explained its design and how it can be used as a model in educating staff and community members. Urban Forest Mentor Jamal Davis presented on the demographics and conditions in Oakland. In particular, Jamal informed the audience of the poor air quality, low-income levels and high rate of crime suffered by West Oakland residents. Another Mentor, Hakim Davis shared his experiences with the program including leading tree planting events, public presentations and training activities.
Tree Climbing Workshop with Urban Releaf Staff
Professional tree climbers led Urban Releaf Staff in a training session at Lake Merritt on November 3rd. Crew members learned the techniques to hoist themselves up into the branches of giant oak trees. The activities exposed both youth and adults to various career opportunities as a certified arborist, and were interactive exercises in team building. We would like to thank Treewolf Arborists Eric Folmer and Joe Zermeno as well as Steward Winchester for a great experience.
31st Green Street Research & Demonstration Project Update
The 31st Green Street Project has made significant progress this fall. We have completed 2 more major rounds of tree planting with the help of over 100 volunteers and community members. The 2 blocks, previously devoid of shade trees, have now been truly transformed. The project team plans to implement the bio-retention monitoring device at a designated pilot site soon. Partnerships included Oakland Civicorps, Weekend Training Academy and East Bay Americorps volunteers as well as community residents.
St. Mary’s Center Tree Planting
In celebration of the Eradication of Poverty Day hosted by St. Mary’s Center, our staff led 75 elders in planting trees along San Pablo Avenue. Aristocrat and maple trees were installed in front of a preschool and a few businesses. St. Mary’s Center has been a long time advocate for trees and our organization, and we greatly appreciate their support.
Golden Gate Neighborhood Tree Planting
Urban Releaf partnered with Rebuilding Together Oakland to revitalize the Golden Gate district of North Oakland on October 13th. Hundreds of volunteers assisted with a variety to tasks including tree planting, home repair and neighborhood clean up. Our volunteers planted several different species of trees along 5 city blocks. Residents and community members showed appreciation for our greening efforts. Thank you to Rachel Matthews for recruiting volunteers for this large-scale day of public service.
Don’t miss our upcoming tree planting event!
5th Annual MLK Day of Service Tree Planting Event
Date: Monday, January 21, 2012
Time: 10:00am to 2:00pm
Meeting Location: 27th and Market Street, West Oakland
