We did it!

AMPlifying the Urban Forest assisted 27 cities and organizations across California in welcoming nearly 2,000 trees to their local communities this past weekend. Developed and presented by the partnership of California Urban Forest Council (CaUFC), West Coast Arborists (WCA), Taylor Guitars, The Britton Fund, and Western Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture (WCISA), AMPlifying the Urban Forest successfully empowered communities that lack tree canopy coverage to contribute to first hand and celebrate their urban forest.

The simultaneous statewide tree plantings were a big success largely due to the support of local volunteers, community groups, and city leaders at each of the 27 events. Through the involvement of the local community, AMPlifying the Urban Forests continues to advance a larger, collaborative urban forestry movement by educating the public on the importance of having and maintaining a healthy urban forest. 

“We are so grateful for the many local volunteers and city representatives that came out, got their hands dirty, and supported this event,” said CaUFC Executive Director Nancy Hughes. “We’d also like to extend a big thank you to CalFire and the state leaders who are responsible for securing the funding to make today happen. California Urban Forest Council wouldn’t be able to bring the much-needed benefits of urban forestry to these communities without them.”

During the event, WCA arborists provided the hands-on support and knowledge needed to assist volunteers in planting each new tree. And at a few of the planting locations, Taylor Guitars came through with entertainment and music, all the while showcasing a tree’s full life cycle from seed to shade to song.

“It was so incredible to see the impact a group of people can have on their community when united in the name of urban forestry,” said Mike Palat with West Coast Arborists. “I look forward to hearing from each community as they enjoy and reap the benefits of their newly planted trees.” 

Although the event is over, the spirit of AMPlifying the Urban Forest never stops. A multitude of resources and materials are available for free on our program website: InvestFromTheGroundUp.org

Funding for this project is provided by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection as part of the California Climate Investments Program and the US Forest Service.