| Basking Ridge, N.J., grew around a church that was built beside a tree 300 years ago. At that point the tree had already seen three centuries. But now experts say the oldest white oak in North America is destined to come down. Steve Hartman went “On the Road” to talk to a town filled with mourners.
Trees are finding their roots at West Fresno elementary and middle schools. The district is in the middle of a four-day planting event in partnership with Tree Fresno.
“I’m very excited because we’ll be having shade provided for us here in West Fresno. Because if you see the blacktop we don’t have no shade and it gets really hot for us,” said Emiliano Aranda, student.
Tree Fresno donated 100 trees as part of a grant from Cal Fire and PG&E. They are being planted by 40 fifth graders at West Fresno Elementary School, plus their parents and community members.
“We were digging two feet deep holes. The next thing we had to do is pound the container so the soil would come out good,” said Aranda.
“These students are students who have demonstrated leadership qualities and appreciate volunteering and providing their time on campus to extracurricular things,” said Toshia Foth, Principal.
Donating their time to do more than beautify the campus. The trees will not only provide shade but hope to protect the students during bad air days.
“We are planting the Chinese Elm, the Zacova, and the Chinese pistache,” said Aranda.
“These trees all produce lots of shade and they’re air quality warriors. They either filter or absorb carbon. They call it carbon sequestration,” said Lee Ayers, Tree Fresno.
The kids aren’t done planting– Wednesday they will plant the remaining 15 trees here at West Fresno Elementary School.
Lee Ayres interviewed by Bob Gourley from KIRV, 1510AM.
Fresno, California. January 7, 2016. Tree Fresno announced today that the TC McGowan Family has established a long-term funding plan to cover the cost of the organization’s headquarter facilities which are located on the Fresno State campus. Currently, Tree Fresno pays quarterly rent to the University. In making the announcement, Tree Fresno Chief Executive Officer, Lee Ayres, noted that the “McGowan Family donation will reduce the gap between our expenses for operations and income from donations and events. This is wonderful news for Tree Fresno as it helps us bridge the gap and continue with our mission to transform the San Joaquin Valley with trees, trails and beautiful landscapes. We are grateful to the McGowan Family for this generous donation. They have been long-time supporters of Tree Fresno and continue to show their support.
“Tree Fresno is one of those community organizations that needs everyone’s support,” said Tom McGowan. “It does great work and is unique within our region. I have been amazed at how much it accomplishes with such a small band of supporters.” The McGowan Family owns and operates Automated Office Systems which has offices in Fresno, Visalia and Merced. “The work they perform enhances all of our lives,” McGowan noted.
“Tree Fresno has a 30 year history of planting trees throughout our four county region,” Ayres said. “In those 30 years we have planted over 40,000 trees in parks, trails, medians and school sites.” In order to sustain this progress in the years to come, Tree Fresno has launched the “San Joaquin Green” initiative an ongoing plan to create Tribute Groves, the Valley Arboretum, a demonstration garden, living laboratories at the schools, and other transformative greening programs for the San Joaquin Valley.
For more information contact Tree Fresno at 559-221-5556 or visit www.treefresno.org.
The Christmas Tree Lane Walk Nights will take place on Wednesday, December 2, 2015 and Tuesday, December 8, 2015 from 6 to 10 PM.
Tree Fresno provides a Shuttle Express service which can be boarded at two locations:
The first bus leaves the North Station at 5:45 PM and the last bus leaves at 9:30 PM.
Tickets cost $7 per person. Children ride free when seated on an adult’s lap. Tickets may be purchased at Whole Foods Market, on line at Eventbrite or on site during each Walk Night.
Call 221-5556 to group reservations. Tickets are non-refundable.
Bonus! You get a coupon for a free Habit Hamburger for each ticket purchased at Whole Foods.
Sponsors: Fenston Apiaries, Whole Foods, Habit Hamburger, Soft Rock 98.9 and ABC30.
We invite Tree Fresno members, educators, students and friends to enjoy music and a picnic, as we celebrate our Demonstration Gardens and “Living Laboratories.”
Horticulture Park
