Although we received a lot of rain in the past year, our region and the state of California are still in a drought.

In cycles of drought and extreme storms, Midpeninsula communities lose many urban trees. Stress caused by underwatering in the dry season affects tree health, making them more vulnerable to heavy winds and flooding. 

As we enter the summer season, you can save both water and trees by following Canopy’s water-wise tree care guidelines that keep trees healthy while adhering to water conservation measures.

Adrian Maciel, graduating senior at Oxford Day Academy in East Palo Alto and Canopy TUF since 2019

During his three years with Canopy, Adrian has been part of planting more than 480 community trees and caring for 800+ more. He’s led volunteer groups and trained residents, presented to the public about the value of trees, and contributed to TUF projects like Community Listening Sessions and neighborhood canvassing.

“It’s been a joy watching Adrian grow from a quiet sophomore into a confident leader who mentors his peers and shares his knowledge of trees! Thanks to Adrian, there are more trees in our community and more residents who care about them,” says Juanita Ibarra, Canopy’s Youth Programs Coordinator. 

Adrian will attend San Francisco State this fall and plans to study computer science. Congratulations and thank you, Adrian, from all your colleagues at Canopy!

Last month Canopy bid farewell to Vanessa Wyns, Canopy’s Education Director, as she left for new adventures closer to family in Tucson, Arizona. Vanessa joined the Canopy team in 2019 as an environmental educator, and her enthusiasm and expertise for trees helped Canopy’s education programs flourish to where they are today. Her leadership, creativity, and kindness made her a beloved member of our Canopy team and one that will be greatly missed.

With Vanessa’s departure, we are looking for a passionate educator and leader to join our team and grow Canopy’s education programs in neighborhoods throughout the Midpeninsula. Please share this opportunity with your network!

Our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has contributed to the Catherine Martineau Legacy Fund! Thanks to your generosity, we’ve raised $236,000 towards our goal of $300,000 by June 30. We’re getting closer! We have $64,000 left to raise, including $14,000 remaining in a $50,000 matching pool from Canopy’s current and former board members.

This special campaign honors longtime Executive Director Catherine Martineau, who retired this spring, and supports Canopy’s mission to grow a more equitable tree-filled future for all. The fund is critical for ensuring the long-term financial sustainability of Canopy by providing additional resources to ensure a smooth leadership transition, make up for the funding gap due to State budget cuts, and mitigate the disruptions caused by the severe winter storms.

If you’d like to contribute, your gift by June 30 will be doubled!

Last fall with Chuck McDonnell’s passing, Canopy lost a true friend and champion of trees. For students and families who have been part of Palo Alto Unified School District or played on the school fields, Chuck’s long-tenured leadership of PAUSD’s Maintenance, Operations, and Transportation (MOT) resulted in hundreds of shade trees being added and nurtured on all the PAUSD campuses.

Canopy is grateful for Chuck’s partnership from the beginning and will miss his wit and presence. In his honor, Canopy planted one California Buckeye, a future shade tree, on a PAUSD campus. And if you missed the chance to know Chuck, you can read his words written when he received our Soforenko Award in 2008.

Growing Climate Resilient Urban Forests webinar

Tuesday, June 13, 2023

10:00 - 11:30 a.m.

Webinar featuring Dr. Erica Spotswood (Second Nature), Dave Muffly (former Sr. Arborist at Apple), and Dr. Dave Fujino (California Center for Urban Horticulture).

Arbor Culture Tree-cital: exploring the science and significance of trees through song

Saturday, June 17, 2023

2:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Pioneer Park behind the Mountain View Library

This hybrid lecture and musical performance will explore not only the benefits and costs of trees, but also the feelings they evoke, and the interplay between science and culture.

TUFs presentation on the East Palo Alto sound wall planting

Wednesday, June 28, 2023

3:30 - 4:30 p.m.

Bloomhouse, East Palo Alto

Join the Teen Urban Foresters (TUFs) for a special presentation about the Highway 101 sound wall plantings that launched Canopy’s East Palo Alto Tree Initiative in 2007 and the impact of those trees on the community.

Edible Urban Forest Tree Walk

Saturday, July 8, 2023

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Johnson Park, Palo Alto

Join certified arborist Terence Welch and food and sustainability experts for a special one-way tree walk from Johnson Park to Gamble Garden.

Canopy Tree Awards and Volunteer Appreciation Event

Saturday, September 9, 2023

3:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Bloomhouse, East Palo Alto

Save the date for a celebration of Canopy’s dedicated volunteers and tree champions! Festivities will include indoor/outdoor mingling and games, refreshments, interactive displays, and a brief program toasting our 2023 Canopy Tree Awardees and their contributions to local urban forests. We’re excited to announce awardees and share RSVP details this summer.

Thank you to our Tree Award sponsors!

Visit canopy.org/events for more events.

Catherine Martineau Legacy Fund

Thank you to all those who have donated to support a tree-filled future for all in honor of Catherine Martineau. For a complete list of campaign supporters, visit canopy.org/catherine.

Grants

Sand Hill Foundation for general operating support

Give the gift of trees

Your tax-deductible gift to Canopy helps grow green, healthy communities where people and nature thrive. Ask your employer today about matching gifts—you might just double your impact!

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.