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2010 Tree Heroes
2010 C.K. McClatchy Award
Senator Darrell Steinberg
Senator Darrell Steinberg supports the urban forest through his groundbreaking work in the legislature by creating bills like Senate Bill 375, as well as by planting trees. We would like to recognize Senator Steinberg for his successful stewardship of SB 375: Redesigning Communities to Reduce Greenhouse Gases. SB 375 is the nation’s
first law to control greenhouse gas emissions by curbing sprawl. SB 375
provides emissions-reducing goals for which regions can plan, integrates
disjointed planning activities, and provides incentives for local governments
and developers to follow new conscientiously-planned growth patterns.
Both development
and preservation are essential to the long-term care and stewardship of the
urban forest and the protection of the canopy in the Sacramento region's open spaces. In addition to
the important policy work that Senator Steinberg does on behalf of the urban
forest, he and his dedicated staff also get involved in grassroots efforts to
create healthier and more sustainable communities by organizing local tree
planting events. We applaud Senator Steinberg’s commitment to the greening of
the Sacramento region and the state of California.
2010 Austin B. Carroll Award
Twin Rivers Unified School District
In 2008, the brand-new Twin Rivers Unified School District planted 1,000 trees to celebrate its inauguration as well as to demonstrate its commitment to the well being of its staff, teachers, students, and the entire community. To facilitate the community building process, the School District collaborated with the Sacramento Tree Foundation to
engage as many students and community members as possible. Through this
partnership, students, teachers, PTAs, businesses, and the general public all
came together to support their schools, learn about the importance of trees and
proper planting techniques, and make a difference in their community. With
gratitude, we honor the Twin Rivers Unified School District for
setting a worthy example of environmental stewardship and community engagement
for other districts to model.
2010 Growing Greenprint Award
City of West Sacramento
The City of West Sacramento created its first-ever Tree Program in 2004. At that time, West Sacramento’s City Council, City Manager, and Director of Parks and
Recreation wanted to do more than just plant trees, they wanted to educate
their citizens about the long-term benefits of trees. Due to their efforts, more
than 5,200 trees have been planted since 2005!
The City of West Sacramento has supported the Greenprint initiative since its inception. Its comprehensive tree program includes a free shade tree program for residents, schools and churches; a program focused on replacing
trees in older neighborhoods; volunteer tree care days; educational workshops; and
continued care and maintenance for every tree planted. West Sacramento’s incredible commitment to improving its community by
building a better urban forest makes it the perfect choice for the inaugural
Growing Greenprint Award.
2010 Legacy Award
Portola Way Valley Oak
This year’s winner is a valley oak, which stands along the Portola Way alley in Curtis Park. The tree lives in a narrow, naturally regenerated woodland along the northeastern boundaries of the rail yard. This tree is especially noteworthy because it has endured
in a populated area of our region with little to no human assistance for more
than 100 years. It is a great example of a native tree surviving only on what
nature provides.
The majestic tree has the characteristic old valley oak structure with long,
trailing branches that reach to the ground. It has a massive trunk and a 111-foot-wide
canopy. The branches of this tree, together with the other old oaks in the nearby
lots, form an arched canopy over the alley protecting all those that stroll
underneath. It is a haven for dog walkers and bird watchers, and a great place
to hangout.