Description

Benicia Tree Foundation is an all-volunteer non-profit that sponsors tree planting and maintenance projects in Benicia while educating the community on the value of community service, the benefits of trees to the environment and how to grow trees sustainably. Our projects are implemented by volunteers recruited through community outreach and coordination with public agencies and community groups.

Mission Statement

To strengthen community by promoting and supporting tree planting, maintenance and education.

Programs

The Tree Care Day program recruits volunteers to help maintain trees at one of our project sites. Tree Care Days are routinely scheduled on Second Saturdays throughout most of the year. They begin at 9:00 AM and end no later than noon. Donations are needed for tools and supplies.

The Tree Keeper Program provides assistance to property owners who wish to plant trees on their property. The Benicia Tree Foundation makes a site visit to property owner and recommendations are prepared for tree species and location. Donations are used to purchase trees used for these projects.

Accomplishments

We recently completed our first Tree Pruning Clinic as part of our Tree Care Day at Joe Henderson Elementary School. 10 volunteers were trained in proper pruning technique on a variety of trees. These volunteers will be able to help prune trees at other project sites. With the tools we purchased for the clinic, we plan to allow residents to check out the tools for their own tree pruning needs.

The Mary Farmar Elementary School became our most recent Benicia Tree Keeper by organizing a project to plant 33 trees on campus. The project began with a school assembly introducing the project to the students and educating them on the benefits of trees. Students in Action, a group of 40 fourth and fifth graders, were recruited to plant the trees following the assembly.

Funding Goals

$5,000 to continue operation of the Tree Care Days and Tree Keeper Program for 12 months.