The Story of Sacramento's One Millionth Tree
City of Trees
Take a stroll through Sacramento, and it’s easy to see why it’s called the City of Trees. The city boasts tree-lined streets, lush public parks, and vibrant green neighborhoods, but it wasn't always like this. Sacramento became the City of Trees because early settlers realized the need to protect the city from floods and harsh sun. For over a century, Sacramento has been expanding its urban forest, with its one-millionth tree planted in Cesar Chavez Plaza. Read on to learn about this historic tree and why urban forests are so beneficial.
One of a Million
Did you know that Sacramento’s one-millionth tree is a beautiful valley oak standing in César Chávez Plaza? The tree made its home in the park thanks to Ray Tretheway, a long-time advocate for urban forests and the director of the Sacramento Tree Foundation. Back in 2000, Ray and the foundation launched an ambitious plan to celebrate the new millennium by planting one million trees in the city over the next decade. This massive campaign brought the community together, tracking every tree added to the urban landscape. Although the goal took a bit longer than expected, they finally reached the milestone in 2011 with this very tree. While there's no official sign or plaque marking its significance, the thriving valley oak stands as a testament to Sacramento's dedication to its nickname—the City of Trees. Next time you're downtown, take a moment to visit our landmark that's one in a million, a symbol of the city's commitment to nurturing its urban forest.
Why Urban Forests Are Important
Urban forests, the collection of trees within a city or town, play a vital role in creating healthier, more livable communities. These green spaces are not just about aesthetics; they offer various environmental, social, and economic benefits.
- Cleaner Air: Trees filter pollutants, improve air quality, and provide oxygen, reducing health risks in densely populated areas.
- Cooling Effects: Trees help combat the urban heat island effect by providing shade and cooling the air, making neighborhoods more comfortable in hot weather.
- Stormwater Management: Tree roots absorb rainwater, reducing runoff, preventing flooding, and easing pressure on city drainage systems.
- Health Benefits: Access to green spaces reduces stress, boosts mental well-being, and encourages physical activity.
- Economic Boost: Areas with abundant trees see higher property values and increased business activity, enhancing local economies.
- Biodiversity: Urban forests offer habitats for wildlife, promoting biodiversity even in built-up areas.
An Ode To Valley Oaks
California oaks, like valley oaks, are keystone species vital to our ecosystems. They support hundreds of vertebrates and thousands of insects, providing essential food and shelter. Birds like acorn woodpeckers and mammals such as squirrels rely heavily on their acorns, while butterflies, moths, and even bees benefit from the habitat oaks provide.
Beyond fostering biodiversity, oaks improve air quality, offer shade, and help manage stormwater. Valley oaks are also champions in carbon sequestration, storing significant amounts of carbon. Adapted to California’s dry climate, these native trees are incredibly drought-tolerant once established.
Culturally, oaks have been a vital resource, with Indigenous peoples using acorns as a staple food. Today, they continue to offer ecological, environmental, and cultural benefits, making them irreplaceable icons of our landscape.
Beyond fostering biodiversity, oaks improve air quality, offer shade, and help manage stormwater. Valley oaks are also champions in carbon sequestration, storing significant amounts of carbon. Adapted to California’s dry climate, these native trees are incredibly drought-tolerant once established.
Culturally, oaks have been a vital resource, with Indigenous peoples using acorns as a staple food. Today, they continue to offer ecological, environmental, and cultural benefits, making them irreplaceable icons of our landscape.
Learn More About The Sacramento Tree Foundation
Since 1982, the Sacramento Tree Foundation has engaged the community in planting and tending to over 1.5 million trees throughout the Sacramento region. They value trees for how they enhance the livability and charm of our communities, prioritizing efforts in areas that need them most—such as under-canopied neighborhoods lacking greenery and open spaces where trees offer a refuge from city life and provide habitats for wildlife.
