It was a very sunny Saturday, November 13th and the weather was perfect for planting trees. Thanks to the hard work of neighborhood volunteers, Friends of the Urban Forest and the City of San Francisco there were 35 trees planted along the College Ave medians and a few private yards throughout the neighborhood. The much anticipated day was filled with excitement, enthusiasm, and a lot of hard work from everyone in attendance, including neighbors that simply showed up to offer their support and appreciation. Following the tree planting, we were rewarded with lunch, refreshments and tree-topped cupcakes. Many of the volunteers enjoyed their lunch underneath the newly planted trees. Although there was no shade from the trees just yet, we will soon have a shared space to find refuge from the sun and heat while we catch up with neighbors.

A few notes about the median trees:

• They are all California Native Oak and Buckeye trees planted in a meandering or natural layout.

• The trees were planted with gopher protection, compost and stakes. They should be good to withstand the upcoming rainy season.

• Over the next few months they may shed some leaves and look yellow and droopy. Then the trees may look like they aren't growing a bit. This is really normal for newly planted trees. But by the late spring or summer we will start to see new growth.

• The trees are city property and we know that everyone here will be great stewards of them, whether you wanted them planted or not. If you do notice any damage, please reach out to SMP Greening and we can work with FUF to correct the damage.

• The large green bags near the base of each tree are water bags that are periodically filled by the city. The water bags are necessary until the trees are fully established, about 3 years. Once the trees are established, these California natives can survive on their own and will no longer require manual watering.

Thank you to everyone who encouraged the city to invest in our neighborhood, came to the design meetings and shared your creativity and volunteered to lift a shovel and plant.