As an arborist and someone that loves trees, I can say Canopy does an exceptional job. The variety of programs and events that Canopy offers to the community surpasses what other organizations do in the area.
I decided to volunteer with Canopy a couple of months ago for the native oak survey (Great Oak Count) and more recently I've been attending the Community Forestry School course and it has been very educational to me. I realized that the staff is very passionate about their work. Also, their events are always interesting and well organized.
It is clear that Canopy cares about the trees and the community, if they plant trees, they take care of them and make sure they thrive. Their work with the community is inclusive and diverse; environmental justice is a key element in their objectives.
I want to mention as well the resources that Canopy shares on its website for the community. You can find plenty of information regarding the benefits of trees, species and tree care guidelines, local tree service companies and certified arborists, and more. They even have a “tree library section”. Canopy is definitely committed on making the world a better and greener place.
I am a strategy consultant serving the nonprofit sector. I've worked with literally hundreds of nonprofits over twenty-plus years.
I have gotten to know Canopy extremely well over the last several years. They are one of the strongest organizations I've ever worked with. They have clarity of the impact that they're trying to pursue and measure their progress in getting there. They have a tremendous combination of heart and head; an authentic and deep passion for their mission and a commitment to smart and continuous operational improvement. One of their core values, Excellence, is not a word that sits on a poster but is an accurate reflection of all that they attempt to do.
Further, several years ago they began engaging in a conversation about racial and social justice. Their conversations resulted in programmatic and operational changes that are helping them better serve those that may otherwise be overlooked.
If you're considering whether or not to support Canopy in some fashion, they are an excellent bet.
Not only does Canopy do great work greening our communities and educating students about the importance of spending time in nature, but the professional development for their TUFs and summer interns help give emerging environmental professionals an important opportunity to jumpstart their careers. I was a summer intern for two summers, and it was a terrific experience. Not only did I learn a lot about the projects I was working on, but I also learned about working in an office and the nonprofit sector. At Canopy I made important connections that helped me land my next summer internship in college, and the projects I worked on at Canopy, plus my experience from the other internship, gave me the relevant experience to get my first full time job out of college. Really, my whole career path started with Canopy. I am grateful for the opportunity to intern at Canopy and I continue to volunteer when I can. It is always hardest to garner "relevant experience" in your desired career field when you are young and don't have a lot of knowledge to offer yet. The role that Canopy played for me--being the first organization that offered to take the time to give me some of that initial experience--is hugely important for young professionals. Thank you!
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Canopy has been a great opportunity for me, not only to get more involved with my community as a volunteer in high school, but also as an intern in college. Canopy is a force of good that makes all contributors feel recognized and appreciated, while simultaneously realizing significant change. Canopy has influenced me for seeing the change that an engaged community can accomplish, and has also provided terrific experience working in the nonprofit world as I start my career.
As a local teacher, I have partnered with Canopy for several years to offer the Walter Hays Elementary School 4th graders an "interactive field lesson" at El Palo Alto Park. The students spend the morning learning the history and science of our namesake tree, as well as learning about the local ecosystem that supports it. Canopy provides the students with experiences in measuring the height, diameter, and circumference of on-site trees, including the famous El Palo Alto. The students learn a lot about our "living California landmark" and how it has stood the test of time. The students are always fully engaged and very enthusiastic about the lessons. They think it is so "cool" to learn about "our tree!"
Canopy is an outstanding example of a tree-focused community-benefit organization.
I have worked with Canopy (for three years, as of Oct 2016) on technical aspects of tree planting and care, and have noticed that they are remarkably proactive and forward-thinking in ensuring that the planted trees survive, grow, and actually provide the benefits that urban trees can provide. I note that Canopy not only has great links and is actively engaged with the local communities they serve, but the organization is also well-connected to local experts and arborists (and, not surprisingly, those two reasons are a part of why Canopy-planted trees look and perform great!).
Re: a Thank you from the Dockters, responding to the Canopy Board Match, Silicon Valley Gives program, connecting people with nature, like your friend, the late Nobel Peace Laureate Wangari Maathai: "When we plant trees, we plant the seeds of hope and the seeds of Peace".
Catherine & Board: Thank you for the gratitude email to Eileen and I.
You enable us to be directly involved with nature-based programs in a way that ‘without you’ we would probably not be engaged in a similar way.
You guys are the best at what you do--seemingly always keeping things fresh, up-to-date and on pace with the technology speed of Silicon Valley.
I thank you for the leadership you have utilized thru the 2007-2014 economic season, and support you to flourish in the new season of growth for the community.
Sincerely,
David & Eileen Dockter, Canopy Contributors
Dave Dockter
Urban Forestry Group, ASCA, ISA, APA
City of Palo Alto Public Works - Urban Forestry Section
Email: dave.dockter@cityofpaloalto.org
http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/gov/depts/pwd/trees/default.asp
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The City of Palo Alto urban forest has been growing in private yards and city land for more than a century. The most critical time for all of the trees has been in the last decade. The involvement of the Canopy organization with the community as well as city tree programs has filled a critical gap and continues to do so. Canopy has become a regional resource for many cities in the Bay Area because their leadership vision is broad, their services are beneficial and contractor referral services are sought after by residents, architects and cities alike.
