Birch Grove Park in Newark is greener this spring thanks to a spirited community tree-planting event that brought together volunteers from all parts of the community. On March 21, Urban Forest Friends worked with the City of Newark Parks staff to coordinate more than 65 volunteers to plant 20 healthy new trees that will benefit the park and residents for decades to come.
The newly planted trees include coast live oaks, London planes, red maples, crape myrtles and pistache. Once mature, they will provide cooling shade, enhance wildlife habitat and contribute to the long-term health of the park’s urban forest.
This project was made possible through a PG&E Growing Green Communities grant, with additional support from CalFIRE, U.S. Forest Service and California ReLeaf. Funding covered both the planting and the irrigation infrastructure needed to help the young trees thrive.
One of the highlights of the day was the strong turnout of Newark Memorial High School (NMHS) students, due in large part to close collaboration between the NMHS Puente Club and the Environmental Club, whose joint outreach brought many students to the event. Student leaders Rosario Avila of the Puente Club and Raul Penaloza of the Environmental Club were among those who welcomed volunteers.
Avila shared why the event matters so deeply to Puente members, saying, “I feel tree planting is one of Puente’s most important events as it brings valuable team effort within the community to give back to our city.”
Penaloza added, “It’s great whenever a tree planting event is hosted due to the community enrichment and the positive environmental impact.”
The student leaders were joined by Yoo-Yoo Yeh, Urban Forest Friends coordinator for Newark, and Dan Cianciarulo, Newark’s Parks and Landscape supervisor, who offered guidance and encouragement throughout the morning.
Toward the end of the planting, participants gathered for an engaging “Tree Talk” led by Patrick O’Connell, a tree enthusiast and Urban Forest Friends volunteer, who shared insights into the many environmental and community benefits of trees—from improving air quality to reducing heat in urban neighborhoods. His talk set an educational tone for a day that blended hands-on work with environmental stewardship.
For many volunteers, the event was more than a service project, it was a chance to connect with neighbors, learn about local ecology and contribute to a healthier community. Urban Forest Friends organizers hope the success of this planting will inspire more residents to get involved in future urban forestry efforts.
