Year-end giving is one of the most important pieces of funding for nonprofits, and Canopy is “tree-mendously” grateful for our community of supporters who dig in each winter and make a commitment to support our work. We love sharing our story with all of you and some of the year’s highlights and updates. One of the bright spots of the effort is Tree Gifts made in honor or memory of loved ones. We love being part of an effort that moves you all to recognize a loved one with a gift of trees. Canopy’s work is only possible because of an expansive network of donors, funders, and volunteers who believe in the power of trees. Thank you!

Of course, it is never too late to make more trees, education, and advocacy possible. You can learn more about what a gift to Canopy makes possible here.

The City of East Palo Alto's Public Works department responds to a fallen tree on Cooley Ave. during last year's storms

Last winter unprecedented storms battered the Bay Area, downing valuable urban trees in our Midpeninsiula communities. This year, arborists are encouraging community members to proactively address issues that affect the health of their trees, including root decay, fungi and infections, and other invisible diseases. Preventative tree care is the most effective way to maintain the health of your trees, and healthy trees are unlikely to fall during storms and wind.

Read our blog on winter storm readiness for DIY tree care tips you can do now to maintain your tree, including mulching and watering guidelines, and bookmark the page for when you need to reference exactly how to prepare before, during, and after a storm.

Interested in seeing these tree care tips in action? Make sure you’re following our Facebook and Instagram pages over the next few weeks as Canopy’s tree care staff help our communities inspect trees and prepare for any weather this winter may bring.

Come celebrate the life and work of Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday, January 15, 2024, at the East Palo Alto YMCA and Senior Center. All are welcome at this volunteer tree planting event hosted by Canopy, the City of East Palo Alto, and YMCA. In addition to planting new trees for the community, we will offer two wellness walks, family-friendly activities for all ages, community resources, and light snacks.

Email volunteer@canopy.org to get involved.

Our winter and spring calendar is full of events and activities, including California Arbor Week March 7-14! Visit our online calendar for more ways to engage with trees in your community.

Last month Canopy bid farewell to Shannon McDonald, Canopy's Operations Director, as she left for a new adventure with California ReLeaf, our partner organization supporting grassroots efforts and building strategic partnerships statewide that protect, enhance, and grow California’s urban and community forests. Shannon joined the Canopy team in 2015 and was a vital member of the team throughout her tenure, overseeing operations for our growing organization and contributing to grant fundraising, communications, and outreach. Shannon will be greatly missed, but we're excited to continue working with her at California ReLeaf!

Canopy is looking for a part-time Adult Education Coordinator responsible for Canopy’s adult education programming efforts, including leading the Community Forestry School program, planning workshops and webinars, and coordinating the Tree Walk program and other adult education events. Please share this opportunity with your network!

The full-time Environmental Educator will be responsible for implementing Canopy’s PreK-12 tree curriculum in collaboration with schools and community-based partners in East Palo Alto, Mountain View, Belle Haven (Menlo Park), and Palo Alto, with upcoming teaching opportunities in North Fair Oaks. In addition, the Environmental Educator plays an integral role in shaping new curriculum and resources, as well as supporting Canopy’s education programming at public events.

Please share these roles with your network and keep an eye on our Jobs page for more opportunities to grow with us!

Here’s what Canopy volunteers and staff members were up to over the last month!

MidPeninsula Open Space

Skyline Foundation 

Los Altos Mountain View Community Foundation

Tu B'Shvat, Jewish Arbor Day and Hebrew for the "new year for trees," begins at sunset on January 24. Jewish communities worldwide celebrate this holiday by planting trees together and bringing awareness to environmental issues.

Celebrate the holiday with a family-friendly concert hosted by the Oshman Family Jewish Community Center (JCC)! For children ages 4 - 8.

Sunday, January 21, 2024

4:30 - 5:15 p.m.

Oshman Family JCC, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto

Canopy's mission is to grow the urban forest in Midpeninsula communities for the benefit of all.

Our vision is a day when every resident of the Midpeninsula can step outside to walk, play, and thrive under the shade of healthy trees.