Piedmont’s popular Gratitude Trees and Chalk Art Contest return April 24-28 as part of a weeklong celebration of the city’s diverse urban forest.
Leading up to the annual Arbor Day celebration on April 27, these two interactive activities invite residents citywide to pause and spend time appreciating and engaging with the nearly 12,000 trees in Piedmont’s parks and public spaces.
Chalk Art Contest
Now in its third year, the citywide Chalk Art contest invites artists young and old to decorate Piedmont’s sidewalks with temporary art installations celebrating the trees of Piedmont. To participate:
• Decorate the sidewalk or path next to your favorite street tree or tree in park with a chalk drawing celebrating the tree.
• Snap a photo of your creation and submit it by email to ChalkArt@piedmont.ca.gov. (If possible, please share pictures that include the artist and the tree in addition to the chalk drawing.)
We’ll highlight chalk art photos on the City’s social media throughout the week. The most creative submissions will receive a $5 Fenton’s gift card.
Gratitude Trees
Gratitude Trees also return this year, now expanded to five locations. This tradition, which began during the COVID-19 pandemic, invites residents to share messages of gratitude on trees throughout the city.
In Crocker Park, Dracena Park, Linda Park, and upper and lower Piedmont Park, visitors will find a box of tags and markers underneath the trees that have been designated as this year’s Gratitude Trees. Grab a tag, write down something you’re grateful for, and hang it from the tree.
While the supply boxes will only be available for one week, public works staff will leave the gratitude messages on the trees for up to one month, weather permitting, to give as many community members as possible an opportunity to view and reflect on the notes of appreciation.
Arbor Week festivities culminate at April 27 celebration
The City of Piedmont’s annual Arbor Day celebration will take place on April 27 from 5-7 p.m. at the Community Hall.
The Arbor Day event will feature the announcement of the 2023 class of Piedmont Heritage Trees, an interactive demonstration of the city’s new “Treekeeper” software, an “Ask an Arborist” booth, a showcase of the trucks and equipment public works staff use the keep our public trees thriving, and information on healthy and sustainable gardening practices.
Food and drink will be provided, as well as music from the Piedmont High School jazz band.
The Arbor Day celebration, Chalk Art Contest, and Gratitude Trees are all projects initiated and co-organized by the City of Piedmont Park Commission.