Our City Forest

I have been a Tree Amigo for about 15 years. I enjoy planting trees, working with youth from some of the local schools. It is so rewarding to drive around a few years later and see the results of our efforts. There were very few staff when I first joined; now they have Americorps members who do lots of the tasks - from caring for the tree bank, organizing plantings, working with school kids about the value of trees.

Planting trees is fun! Actually, it's kind of a lot of work, but interesting work. I volunteered at one of their tree planting days in a neighborhood in South San Jose. They did a very good job of explaining what was needed and having enough senior volunteers to lead everyone else. Where many organizations just say go make things better, this one showed you how and was very well planned. Donuts!

I JUST LOVE OUR CITY FOREST! This organization has a clear mission, enthusiasm and a game plan. Simply put, they get things done. If you are looking for an organization that is not afraid to get its hands dirty and is not afraid of a little work then look no further. OCF has an astounding ability to put Its sometimes limited resources to work in an efficient manner that has the greatest impact on the community. I have been involved with them in their many facets from plantings at schools, community parks, roadways and neighborhoods to education booths and outreach events. 2 thumbs up for Rhonda, OCF staff and Americorps!

What a terrific nonprofit! I was a neighborhood association leader for many years, and worked actively with OCF to restore the treescape of our neighborhood which had been neglected for decades. They work enthusiastically, tirelessly, and with expert skill. Also, their cost efficiency is amazing -- they accomplish so much with a shoestring staff and a small budget. Thanks to OCF, our neighborhood now has much-needed shade on our streets, which translates into 1) more walking, 2) less electrical use, 3) less sun-caused pavement damage, 4) more groundwater absorption, and 5) neighborhood pride, among other benefits. A wonderful group -- there's nothing like them in the South Bay!

I SUPERVISE A GROUNDS DEPT. OF A SAN JOSE SCHOOL DISTRICT.  I HAVE RECEIVED SERVICES FROM OUR CITY FOREST FOR OVER 5 YEARS.  OVER THAT TIME I'VE FOUND THEM TO BE VERY KNOWLEDGEABLE,COURTEOUS AND ACCOMMODATING.  I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND THEM TO ANY ORGANIZATION OR PRIVATE PARTY LOOKING FOR THE TYPE OF SERVICES THEY PROVIDE.

Our City Forest provides a fantastic opportunity for the city of San Jose to become a healthier, prettier and greener city. They provide free trees to city residents and schools. They educate the community on how to plant and care for the trees, and on the importance of the trees. I've been to several of their events and have been very impressed by the organization that goes into each event. It's wonderful to see how they work with people, as young as elementary school age through senior citizens. It is a priviledge to have this organization in our city.

I've only been volunteering as a Tree Amigo with Our City Forest since 2007, but in that short time have come to love its mission and members. It is a remarkable organization that not only bolsters our urban forest in San Jose, but also provides great educational programs to volunteers and the community. I can only hope that other urban forestry programs have staff and volunteers so committed to the cause. I wish I had more time now to commit to their amazing programs, but even though my participation is spotty, it is always welcomed and appreciated. Our City Forest is community service at its best.

Actually, more than volunteers, we are now Tree Amigos.

We learned of Our City Forest when we were looking for an appropriate tree to plant in our parking strip. The magnolia related trees that had been in the neighborhood had been sick and weeping and dying for years and the tree my friend had given to me (specially bred by her son, the botanist) when my son died had finally succumbed to the same disease although it had rallied several times after many treatments.

We talked to the city arborist, Ralph Mize, about what kind of tree would be good for our area and he referred us to the Our City Forest site where we learned a lot about trees and were able to choose one we liked.

We took the Tree Amigo training through Our City Forest and have participated in several tree plantings and manned a table for OCF at a couple of neighborhood functions, which was actually fun.

Mostly, we learned a lot about trees, what kind of tree to plant where, how to plant a tree, and the great value of and need for a healthy and abundant city forest. Since we are fairly serious about recycling all sorts of things, taking care of our city forest goes well with the duties we choose to take seriously in our lives.

Plus, we get to meet a lot of great people from just about every age bracket.

I am a trained Tree Amigo volunteer with Our City Forest. Since December 2010, I have participated in their weekly tree plantings and also worked at their two exisiting tree banks. On an interpersonal level, I have had such overwhelmingly positive experiences with OCF staff, Americorps members, other Tree Amigos, and general volunteers. It is truly a team and community effort in which everyone works, sweats, and laughs together. Experience is not necessary just enthusiasm and the volunteers never fail to provide that in spades. The tree plantings and other events are organized and can accomodate almost all ages groups. It is not an understatement to say that Saturday morning plantings are one of the highlights of my week. OCF has been and will continue to be an invaluable community resource and a wonderful opportunity for all folks, young and old, to learn about trees and their importance to our urban forest.

I love trees. I originally volunteered with OCF in January of 2004, assisting with a tree-planting activity in a local park. I enjoyed the experience (exercise, camaraderie and sense of accomplishment) so much that I enrolled in OCF's formal training class for "Tree Amigos". Since that time I have volunteered regularly with them, planting young trees all over the city of San Jose. OCF is a great organization which is now responsible for the majority of new trees planted in this city. They provide an opportunity for young and old to work together to beautify and improve the quality of life in all of our communities.

You can go to many places all over the City of San Jose and find young trees planted by Our City Forest. There is a flowering pear tree in front of my grandmothers house that Our City Forest volunteers planted for her. There are also trees along the main road leading into my apartment complex all planted by Our City Forest and their volunteers.

I volunteered with my neighbors to plant 7 trees at a school in my neighborhood. The OCF staff was very responsive and helpful in allowing us to volunteer in our own neighborhood. On the day of the tree-planting, the arborist was very informative and provided an in-depth demonstration. I worked with other volunteers to plant, stake and water the trees. I learned alot about urban forestry practices and look forward to volunteering with Our City Forest again in the future.

This organization provides volunteers with very worthwhile projects in neighborhoods and schools. Every time I volunteer they provide the training I need to do a good job. I've learned a lot about what it takes to make sure trees are planted correctly.