This past Earth Day in April, CityTrees, a local volunteer organization dedicated to environmental stewardship, held a tree planting event in Redwood City, and guess what? High school students were at the heart of it all! Funded by a grant from Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), this initiative saw 15 trees planted in just three hours, leaving a lasting impact on the community.

Filip Crnogorac, CityTrees president, believes involving young people is crucial. “By engaging the younger generation,” he explains, “we might spark an interest in environmental fields beyond the typical tech jobs prevalent in Silicon Valley. These trees are an investment in the future, a legacy for generations to come.”

This event wasn’t just about planting trees; it was about fostering a sense of community and environmental responsibility. Volunteers like Carlmont High School freshman Lena Hui enthusiastically dug the initial holes, carefully placing the excavated soil onto a tarp. Kaylin Leong, another freshman, learned about the opportunity through a school newsletter and was eager to contribute. “I wanted to learn and experience something new,” she shared.

Neer Ghate, a Carlmont junior, meticulously loosened the root ball of a pre-potted tree using the pointed end of a hammer. Jason Owyeong, another junior, assisted his group by holding the weight of a taller oak tree as they tested the depth of the prepared hole. Their group had already tackled planting trees on a different street, demonstrating the collaborative nature of the task.

Erin Ohline, a junior from Woodside High School, brushed extra dirt onto the base of a newly planted tree. The combined effort of students from both Carlmont and Woodside saw each planting site filled with soil, ensuring the trees would thrive in their new home.

Planting trees is a simple yet powerful act with far-reaching benefits. It contributes to a cleaner environment, combats the urban heat island effect, and provides future generations with access to the beauty and shade of a thriving urban forest.

CityTrees’ initiative demonstrates the positive impact that collaborative efforts can have on our local environment. By engaging young people in these initiatives, we cultivate a sense of responsibility and inspire future generations to become stewards of a greener tomorrow.