Mission

The Sacramento Tree Foundation's mission is to grow healthy, livable communities in the Sacramento region by empowering people to plant, protect, and learn about trees. We are leading the effort to plant 5 million trees in our region.

About us

Since 1982, we have been building partnerships and empowering communities to envision the best places to live and invest in their urban forest. We do this by educating, advocating and lending support for tree plantings. Why? Because...

Cool breezes grow here. Shade trees shield our homes, roadways, and parking lots from the scorching summer heat. Shade trees can lower a household's cooling costs by nearly one-third - saving money while keep us comfortable. Homes with shade trees also have higher property values.

Healthy bodies grow here. Trees and green spaces can improve our health. People are more likely to be physically active in neighborhoods where trees are plentiful. Areas with trees invite comtemplation and recreation —essential for restoring our bodies and minds.

Friendships grow here. Trees bring people together. They create social spaces where people gather and foster a sense of belonging. Neighborhoods with green spaces are tighter-knit, safer, and more livable.

Fresh air grows here. Trees are nature's way of cleaning our air. Tree leaves absorb pollutants, produce oxygen, and make cleaner air for us to breathe. Grow with us.

Programs and Services

Sacramento Shade Sacramento County residents are eligible for up to 10 free trees through the Sacramento Shade tree program, a partnership with the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD). Trees planted in the right spaces in our urban environment provide shade and offer significant energy savings. Participants receive tree selection, planting and care guidance along with healthy trees for shading their homes, schools, parks and streets. This model program, which is the largest and most successful of its kind, has been sponsored by Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) since 1990.

Education Seed to Seedling is an award-winning California native oak curriculum for kindergarten through sixth grade students. Growing native acorns into young seedlings on the windowsill of classrooms invites young students to enter the natural world of exploration, wonder, and excitement. After a few months, these seedlings are transferred to a correctional center nursery and grown to a size appropriate for replanting at schools and local parks.

NeighborWoods NeighborWoods seeks to bring the benefits of trees and community action to the public places of Sacramento County. The program provides education and tree planting opportunities to thousands of people every year, ensuring a legacy of green parks and schools for generations to come. With our support, neighborhoods develop local partnerships, organize projects, and become empowered to enhance their trees and landscapes. We provide educational materials, training, practical tools, and logistical support to develop and maintain the local skills and focus needed to build truly great neighborhood tree programs and groups.

NATURE: Native Trees in the Urban and Rural Environment The NATURE Program seeks to retain the natural character of Sacramento County by replanting native trees that have been lost due to development projects. Our NATURE program works to replenish and sustain the native flora and fauna of Sacramento County by replanting and protecting native trees and woodlands. We collaborate with the County of Sacramento and City of Elk Grove, as well as the development community, to plant and nurture native trees.

Mature Trees Keeping our mature trees healthy is the focus of the Mistletoe Management Program. In partnership with the City of Sacramento, we offer residents free use of 18’ pole saws (for up to two weeks), and technical advice of how to remove mistletoe and dead wood from privately owned trees. The Save the Elms Program is working to protect the heritage elm canopy from the threat of Dutch elm disease. In partnership with the City of Sacramento and volunteers, we monitor the trees and plant new disease-resistant elms.

Greenprint Initiative Bringing our communities together, this regional urban forest initiative, adopted by 22 cities and 6 counties in the Sacramento region, plans for the future of our regional urban forest. The Greenprint is committed to urban forest best practices, leadership and community partnerships for education. For more about Greenprint Initiative visit http://www.sactree.com/doc.aspx?30

Community Education LEAF (Leading Education & Awareness in urban Forestry)

A comprehensive course training volunteers in the various areas of arboriculture necessary to effectively tend the urban forest. As leaders and educators within their neighborhoods and communities, LEAF Stewards will spearhead the Greenprint initiative efforts of community education and involvement through volunteerism and stewardship

Get Involved!

Plant

• Set up an appointment to meet with a Community Forester to receive your free SMUD shade tree.
• Register the tree you have just planted on our 5 million tree counter.

• Learn about how you can bring the benefits of trees to your school or community park.

Learn

• Review the trees we offer to find the best trees for your neighborhood.
• Follow our tree care guide to grow the healthiest trees around.
• Download our tree tip cards to learn the best ways to plant, grow, and care for your young trees.
• Watch our videos to learn how to plant a tree correctly, more about our history, and more.
• Join us for tree tours and trainings; check the calendar of events now.http://www.sactree.com/doc.aspx?229

Volunteer

• link to volunteer page: http://www.sactree.com/doc.aspx?19
• Join us at our next tree planting event; check the calendar of events now!
• Learn how you can make a difference in our urban forest by sharing your time.

Join

• Become a member today.
• Sponsor the Tree Hero Awards.
• Donate to make our 5 million tree goal possible. http://www.sactree.com/doc.aspx?22

Wish List

The Sacramento Tree Foundation staff is in need of the following items:

Post pounders Shovels (kid and adult size) Root daggers Hand-pruners Loppers Retractable hand saws Burlap squares or small tarps Pouches, sacks or buckets for carrying supplies Refrigerator for acorns Laptop computers Serving or hosting utensils and platters for meetings BBQ Toaster oven Popcorn machine with stand Bicycles for staff to commute to meetings Eight person vans