Happy Arbor Day!!

Happy Arbor Day!!! We have lots of reasons to celebrate trees; they are beautiful additions to our communities, and provide countless benefits to the environment. Read below to find out how they benefit you!

- Regulate Temperature! Trees provide more shade in the summer, cutting down on your air-conditioning bill, and making shaded areas up to 8 degrees cooler than surrounding areas. Plus, they can insulate areas in the winter by blocking wind, to keep your house warmer naturally, cutting heating costs by 10-15%.

 - Clean the air. This is especially important in large urban areas where the levels of carbon dioxide are higher. Not only do trees reduce smog, they absorb CO2 and produce oxygen. In fact, a single 25 year old tree will have absorbed 400 pounds of carbon dioxide in its life.

- Increase groundwater retention and flood protection. Tree roots soak up a considerable amount of water, which reduces flooding and erosion, and increases the amount of water stored in aquifers. Trees also filter water, which lessens the amount of pollution in our streams and creeks. 

- Provide habitat for countless rare, endangered, and threatened critters. Urban sprawl has a serious effect on native animals and insects by replacing their habitat with impermeable surfaces like concrete and asphalt. By planting trees in cities and neighborhoods, we provide food and homes for birds, pollinators, and other tree-dwelling animals.

To find out more about trees, or to ask about getting a tree for your yard, please visit these wonderful organizations:  Canopy.org   Our City Forest

Lastly, why not celebrate Arbor Day and Earth Day with the City of Santa Clara? Their celebration is at their Central Park (909 Kiely Blvd.) on Thursday, April 25th, from 10 am to 2 pm.

You can also celebrate by helping the Town of Los Gatos plant trees on Friday, April 26th.

Join us this Arbor Week in saying “thanks, trees”!

- By Abigail Stokes, Water Wise Ourdoor Surveyor and Tree Enthusiast, Santa Clara Valley Water District

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Happy Earth Day!

Earth Day is officially Monday, April 22nd and there are a large number of Earth Day events in our area in the next few weeks for you to choose from:

Saturday, April 13th

  • The City of Cupertino’s Earth Day and Arbor Day Festival is from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Civic Center Plaza, 10350 Torre Ave., Cupertino. Learn about environmental issues and solutions and enjoy activities such as yoga, a rock climbing wall, neighborhood tree walk, arts and crafts, live entertainment, food trucks and more. http://bit.ly/2Cr04mx

Thursday, April 18th

  • Join the City of Morgan Hill for a FREE event in honor of Earth Day! Learn about our local environment and ways to get involved to make a difference. Don't miss out! For more information, visit www.morganhill.ca.gov!

Saturday, April 20th

  • The City of Milpitas will be hosting an Earth Day Event on Saturday, April 20th from 12-4 pm inside the Milpitas Public Library.

  • The City of Mountain View is having an event from 11a.m.-3p.m. at the Mountain View Community Center. For more information, go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mountain-view-earth-day-tickets-59025231055

  • Join the celebration at the Alum Rock Park Earth Day event from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at  Alum Rock Park, 15350 Penitencia Creek Road, San Jose. Join volunteer projects run by the Alum Rock Park Rangers. Then enjoy Earth Day festivities with the Youth Science Institute and Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority. Learn about local pollinators and sustainable gardening, see live animals, and offset your carbon footprint by planting native seeds and a ceremonial tree. Free. For more info, go to:  http://bit.ly/2ufithE

Monday, April 22nd

  • 2019 marks Saratoga's 12th year as a designated Tree City USA! Join the City to celebrate Arbor Day and Earth Day at 1:30 p.m. at Gardiner Park, 19085 Portos Drive. Enjoy refreshments, resources, and a tree planting.

Thursday, April 25th

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Great Race for Saving Water 5K, 10K and Kids Dash on Saturday, April 13th

If you are looking for a wonderful, family-friendly event, look no further than the Great Race for Saving Water in Palo Alto on Saturday, April 13th. This fun run and walk raises awareness about water resources, conservation, a healthy environment and healthy communities.

Register today, and don't miss your chance to chase the running toilet!

Earth Day Festival

After the race, join us for a free festival with electric vehicle ride & drive, live music, nature activities, arts & crafts, raffle, zoo animals, outdoor games, environmental and public safety resources...and much more!

  • Event schedule

  • Activity map

  • The race begins at 9am and festival activities continue to 1pm.

  • A special ribbon-cutting ceremony for the San Francisquito Creek Bay to 101 project will be held before the race at 8:45am.

We look forward to seeing you there!

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