On August 8th, Canopy staff and 15 of our most experienced volunteers gathered in masks and gloves to plant 24 new trees at the brand new EPACENTER facility in East Palo Alto.

Although we don't usually plant in the summer, we were excited to move forward with this special project and plant during the optimal phase of the construction process.

It wasn't the bustling community celebration that we originally envisioned with our partners. But our little cohort bonded over the hard work of planting big 24-inch box trees, the unfamiliar challenge of installing sidewalk grates, and the simple, renewing pleasure of hands in the soil.

"I'm sad that we couldn't invite the public to participate in this," says Maya Briones, Canopy's Community Forestry Coordinator, who led the project. "But the trees themselves will be here for the public for decades. Their shade and beauty are part of the community now, and those benefits will far outlast this pandemic."

Canopy was honored to be part of this project. We look forward to the opening of EPACENTER Arts, their programs, and continued partnership. We're also grateful to CalFire, Mack 5, Overaa Construction, and RMT, without whom this effort would not have been possible.

See photos of the EPACENTER planting.

The EPACENTER tree planting in August gave us a chance to test out new field safety protocols as we prepare to kick off our regular planting season in October. Elise Willis, Canopy's Tree Programs Director, shared a bit about what volunteers can expect from Canopy this fall:

The best way to get updates is through our Volunteer Wire newsletter. We'll share more details on fall planting plans later this month and throughout the season.

You can learn a lot spending time in urban nature. Artist Kathryn Beals’ “Things we Found in the Creek” series explores and celebrates these lessons, offering a beautiful example of caring for our urban ecosystems—and allowing them to care for us. Her work reminds us how nature and art can both offer renewal, purpose, and peace in the midst of turbulent times.

Kathryn is generously donating a portion of proceeds from this series to support Canopy’s work growing local urban forests. We are so grateful for her story, her artwork, and her generous partnership!

Learn the story of this unique series, or visit Kathryn's Instagram for more artwork and inspiration.

Last week, our Executive Director, Catherine, stepped outside to find a giant tree limb in her driveway. She was surprised, because no one at home had heard any noise.

It was an example of what arborists call “summer branch failure” or “sudden branch drop syndrome,” which can occur when temperatures fluctuate quickly (e.g. very hot days with much cooler nights). Trees most susceptible include oak, sycamore, and pear trees.

There’s no way to guarantee against the syndrome, but keeping your trees healthy and well-maintained is the best defense. Regular pruning, mulching, and watering will limit the risk to your tree, from branch failure or any other harm.

Read more about this phenomenon from Arborist Now or this 2018 article from Sacramento Bee.

Intensified wildfire isn’t the only climate impact that Californians have felt directly this summer. Extreme heat is already among the deadliest weather disasters and poses an increasing public health threat as our climate warms.

Like other environmental burdens, extreme heat affects some communities more than others. Researchers studying urban heat note a striking and consistent pattern nationwide: neighborhoods that were redlined in the mid-20th century are the hottest parts of our cities today.

A recent data-rich article in the New York Times, “How Decades of Racist Housing Policy Left Neighborhoods Sweltering,” explores the causes and implications of this systemic inequity. It highlights how disparities that were designed on purpose can (and must) be remedied on purpose, too. As the article quotes:

In August, we said a very fond farewell to Katie Rummel, Canopy's Communications Manager, as she moved back to southern California where her family lives.

Katie joined Canopy in 2018 as our Administrative Associate. With her love of people and passion for community-building, she soon took on coordinating volunteers; you may recognize her smiling face from neighborhood planting and tree care days.

From there, Katie began supporting the organization's communications work, growing Canopy's social media and keeping our community informed through communications like this newsletter.

Katie added so much to our team, and we will all miss her sparkle and creativity. All our best wishes go with her and her cat Stella as they settle into their new home. We can't wait to see where Katie shines her light next!

As we say our goodbyes to Katie, we are grateful and excited to welcome Indira Selvakumaraswamy as our new Community Outreach Manager. You'll be hearing more from Indira in the months to come!

Indira grew up in India and spent much of her early adulthood in the south Indian city of Chennai. There she earned an undergraduate degree in zoology and a graduate degree in business administration. Her professional work experience is in the field of advertising and marketing, where she has worked with nonprofits, social marketing firms, and clients from all sectors to support communications strategy.

As a community volunteer, Indira has worked with parents, youth, educators, and administrators, especially as the PTA president of Herbert Hoover Elementary, where her daughters attended school.

Indira brings a deep love of nature and of connecting with people. "Taking on this role at Canopy, I feel that I will be bridging my passion and work," she shares.

We are thrilled to have her on board, and hope that you get to connect with her soon! Meanwhile, read more from Indira on the Canopy blog.