Piedmont Beautification Foundation’s reforestation campaign in high gear

Earlier this year the Piedmont Beautification Foundation announced that its Spring Campaign would focus on supporting the City of Piedmont’s project to reforest Piedmont, neighborhood-by-neighborhood. The city had conducted a public tree inventory to catalog the many species of trees that comprise our city’s urban forest. That exercise identified dozens of trees that are either failing or have died because of climate change. This was a call to action for PBF. 

Thanks to generous donors, sufficient funds have already been received to plant 20 new trees in locations throughout the city. Coupled with its long-running Commemorative Tree Program, PBF is well on its way to strengthening Piedmont’s urban forest with culturally compatible trees that are more likely to thrive in harsher weather conditions. Under the Commemorative Tree Program, for a donation of $550 or more, a donor may choose a tree, and a specific location. A customized, permanent tag is affixed to the tree, providing long- term recognition to the honoree. Several such trees have been planted recently, including the beautiful new Island Oak planted at the Mountain-Bellevue circle thanks to generous neighbors. All these steps are building momentum for PBF’s reforestation efforts, and we are excited to see how many trees will ultimately be planted.

Under the two programs, and the able guidance of Parks and Projects Manager Nancy Kent, PBF is preparing the city for a better future despite environmental changes ahead. PBF’s upcoming “Lights Up” brochure will offer prospective donors the opportunity to join the Reforestation Project to prepare for the future. Interested citizens, however, need not wait for the brochure; they are encouraged to visit the PBF website HERE.

By completing the “donate” form, community members may indicate their preference for a specific location for a tree and the city will make every attempt to honor the request. The form may also be used for those interested in information about PBF’s Commemorative Tree Program or for any questions about the reforestation project.

Those who prefer not to go online can mail contributions to the Piedmont Beautification Foundation, c/o Piedmont City Hall, 120 Vista Ave. Piedmont, CA 94611. Be sure to include a note if you wish to be contacted by a member of PBF.

Despite difficulties of the era in which we live, the Reforestation Project offers us the opportunity to work for a greener future for our City.