Tree Davis

Tree Davis draws upon the strength of community and science to improve our neighborhoods, area cities, and surrounding natural areas by planting trees. We are making our environment healthier and more resilient. Established by civic leaders in 1992, Tree Davis has had many accomplishments that profoundly impact Davis, West Sacramento, Winters, and Woodland. As the impacts of climate change become clearer, the importance of a vibrant urban and community forest to mitigate against increased temperatures, air pollution, and water contamination, and its capacity to enhance biodiversity is ever more critical.2025 was a pivotal year for Tree Davis. As with many mission-driven organizations, we experienced leadership transition that invited reflection, renewed focus, and thoughtful engagement from our board and staff. Through it all, our commitment to planting trees and growing community never wavered.This year marked an important evolution in our approach - we formally integrated public education into every tree planting and care event. By pairing hands-on experience with accessible, on-site learning, we ensured that each tree planted was also an opportunity to deepen community understanding of the critical ecological, economic, and social benefits of urban forestry.We also completed the tree planting component of the CAL FIRE funded Climate ReadyUrban Forestry Education grant. Over the life of this initiative, we expanded environmental literacy, strengthened partnerships throughout Yolo County, and equipped young people with tools to steward trees in a changing climate. As the grant sunsets, we carry forward the lessons learned into our ongoing programming.2025 saw significant progress in the Cool Schools Yolo project. We continued tree planting efforts while preparing for the next phase of site development and construction, laying the groundwork for greener spaces for students in Woodland and West Sacramento.2025 program accomplishments included:Tree Davis strengthened its partnership with the City of Davis, making furtherprogress to reach the Urban Forest Management Plan of no net loss and replaceevery tree removed. During the year, Tree Davis planted 175 trees street trees and six meaningful tribute trees. These trees were planted in partnership with individual residents, community groups, student groups, and neighborhood groups.Tree Davis staff and volunteers continue to work diligently to give proper maintenance to newly planted trees for their first five years - watering regularly, weeding away competing vegetation, adding layers of mulch, and periodically pruning. We are so grateful to our 30+ year partnership with the City of Davis Urban Forestry Department.Tree Davis completed the final tree plantings for The Climate-Ready UrbanForestry Education program. This CAL FIRE funded program provided high schoolstudents from Yolo County with in-class lessons and real-world experience on an array of topics related to urban forestry including exploring the various benefits of urban forests, Climate-Ready Trees, environmental justice, civic engagement, and more. Each school cohort culminated with a tree planting on their school campus or in a nearby public space. Overall, Tree Davis staff engaged with ~40 students in 2025 and planted 52 trees on school campuses, in parks, and along streets with the students.The Cool Schools Yolo program celebrated its first round of tree plantings across campuses in West Sacramento and Woodland. With help from partners, Tree Davis planted 356 new trees across all nine school sites with the support of dedicated volunteers. Although construction for the remaining project elements has beendeferred to 2026, these initial plantings have already generated strong enthusiasmamong students, staff, and the broader community. The newly planted treesrepresent an important first step toward creating more resilient school environments, while building momentum for the full scope of campus improvements to come.Tree Davis hosted two cohorts of seven undergraduate College Corps Fellows during the 20242025 academic year. These students gained valuable hands-on experience working within a community-based organization. As Tree Davis Fellows, they developed practical skills in planting and caring for trees while gettingmeaningful, real-world work experience.On November 2nd, 2025, Tree Davis hosted the fifth annual Legacy Celebration, ourlargest yet, at the Tree Davis Memorial Grove in West Davis. Nearly 100 communitymembers attended the event to honor and celebrate eight individuals andorganizations for their outstanding contributions to the community. The event alsofeatured eight local organizations hosting informational tables, sharing resources, and connecting attendees with their important environmental work.