If you have a New Year’s resolution of being more giving in 2017, there are a few ways to do it that will keep Redwood City and California look great and feeling fresh. Donating a tree might seem like a little thing, but it is actually making a huge difference. It will leave a lasting legacy that will go much further than other types of donations.
Donating a tree isn’t always the first type of donation that someone goes to, but it should be. Trees keep an area cleaner, provide shade, look great, and can, in some cases provide foods and nourishment.
So where can you go to donate a tree this year? Try one of these California locations:
1. Redwood Forest Foundation
Credit; RFFI
Of course, we should start with the most localized and the most obvious: the Redwood Forest Foundation. You can plant a Redwood tree to commemorate anything you want – plant one to commemorate a friend, in the honor of a family member or just because. Whomever you choose to honor will receive a frameable certificate. If that person is you, you can proudly display it in your home or office. They suggest getting a tree for a young person so that the tree can grow with them over the years.
Your gift will help the RFFI’s redwood reforestation program, which helps regrow the population. Over 95% of America’s oldest redwood trees have been cut down.
2. Sierra Club
Credit: Sierra Club
Another recognizable name is the Sierra Club. The Sierra Club works closely with many cities in California, especially the City of Oakland to try to counteract some of the budget cuts that have led to the decimation of trees. So far, they have pruned and planted several hundred trees in Oakland alone. They have also planted 1,000 street trees near homes and businesses.
Not only that, but they work with many different organizations to teach children about the importance of trees so that it can continue to the next generation. Your donation to them, whether it be trees or time, could mean the difference in the life of a child who now gets to breathe cleaner, purer air.
3. Tree People
Credit: Tree People
If you are considering making a tree donation in memory of someone, consider going through Tree People. They use the trees donated to repopulate urban forestry and mountain reforestation. You can get a beautiful card that can be framed in recycled barn wood so that you can give it as a gift. Everything is on recycled materials so you don’t have to worry about being unsustainable.
The best part is that Tree People works almost exclusively in “Los Angeles’ city parks, neighborhoods, schools and the local Santa Monica Mountains.” You can even help plant the tree, which will make the gesture much more meaningful and special for all involved.
4. California ReLeaf
Credit: California ReLeaf
California ReLeaf has a goal to “empower grassroots efforts and build strategic partnerships that preserve, protect, and enhance California’s urban and community forests.” They work with community-based groups, individuals, and agencies to promote livable cities and environmental awareness through the care of trees.
They are the only program that works with both nonprofit and community organizations to promote healthy urban forests from “San Diego to Sacramento to Eureka.”
They do this through urban forests which they define as trees and other vegetation in communities, along streets, in parking lots, on school grounds, in open spaces, and even in commercial areas.
By visiting their website, you can easily find a community group near you to get involved and donate your time and effort or trees.
5. A Living Tribute
Credit: A Living Tribute
Another organization that makes it easy to donate a tree in memory of someone you care about is A Living Tribute. Their trees are planted in National Forests as honorable monuments to your loved ones. The forests in California that participate are: Angeles National Forest, Cleveland National Forest Eldorado National Forest, Lassen National Forest, Los Padres National Forest, Mendocino National Forest, Plumas National Forest, San Bernardino National Forest, Sequoia National Forest, Shasta-Trinity National Forest, Sierra National Forest, Stanislaus National Forest, and Tahoe National Forest.
With each order, your tree will be planted under the supervision of the Forest Service so that it goes to the National Forest in most need of restoration.
6. Turtle Bay Exploration Park
If you want to give to a place you can visit and know where your tree is, the Turtle Bay
Credit: Turtle Bay Exploration Park
Exploration Park accepts donations of trees or trees purchased to honor someone.
Turtle Bay Exploration Park and the Western Shasta Resource Conservation District work together to restore a native forest and riparian habitat in Western Shasta County. As for the type of tree you can donate, according to the website, “the floodplain, damaged by decades of mining activity, is being replanted with groves of upland and riparian native species, including stands of cottonwood, willow and alder.”
7. Sacramento Tree Foundation
Credit: Sacramento Tree Foundation
The Sacramento Tree Foundation is a fantastic organization that works within the community to help educate people of all ages about the importance of trees. They pay close attention to the fact that planting a tree can give a person “peace joy, and security” as well as help our environment.
If you wish to give, you can either plant a Tribute Tree or make a general gift. You also have the ability to gift a membership to someone. You can help plant the tree or add a plaque for an added sentimentality.
Keep Your Trees Looking Great
While donating your time, effort, and money, you have to worry about your own trees as well. Take away some of the hassle by hiring a company that is fully trained and certified in tree care. Our team at Econo Tree Service will work with you to ensure that you don’ have to worry about your trees, no matter what kind of problem you may have.
If you family’s safety is another one of your 2017 New Year’s Resolutions, let us help you on your way there. Not only that, we will keep your home looking great. Give us a call now for a free estimate for whatever it is that you may need.