FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 

March 12, 2014 

Contact: Rachel Gordon, 415-554-6045

ARBOR WEEK EVENTS CELEBRATE THE URBAN FOREST 

Signature tree to honor Nelson Mandela; community eco fair; community tree plantings

San Francisco, CA – In celebration of Arbor Week 2014, San Francisco Public Works will plant its annual signature tree in honor of the late Nelson Mandela, a global advocate for human rights and former president of South Africa who championed freedom, equality and social justice.

The tree, a Quercus agrifolia, more commonly known as a Coast live oak tree, will be planted at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 15 at the Ella Hill Hutch Community Center, 1050 McAllister St.

“The strong and resilient Coast Live oak is a fitting tribute to Nelson Mandela,” said Mayor Ed Lee. “Expected to stand for generations, this signature tree will serve as a living reminder of one of the greatest leaders of our time.”

San Francisco’s signature tree program highlights the contributions of individuals whose leadership, advocacy and/or civic participation embody the spirit of San Francisco. Past recipients of the annual honor include Charlie Starbuck, Ruth Asawa, Rosa Parks, Cesar Chavez, Dr. Ellen Wolfe, Dana Woldow and Vivian Brown.

Public Works will plant a second commemorative tree this year for the late Sandra Cuadra, assistant superintendent for the City’s Bureau of Urban Forestry, who worked tirelessly on behalf of her beloved Mission District community. The tree, Arbutus marina, more commonly known as a Strawberry tree, will be planted at Harrison and 24th streets on Thursday, March 13 at 9 a.m.

In addition to the commemorative tree plantings, Public Works has other activities planned for this year’s Arbor Week celebrations. Hundreds of community volunteers will join District 5 Supervisor London Breed and other City representatives to plant more than 40 street trees in the Fillmore, Marina, Lower Pacific Heights, Western Addition and Diamond Heights, with additional greening and cleaning projects in Districts 2 and 5 neighborhoods as part of the monthly Community Clean Team/Giant Sweep initiatives.

“I sponsored the legislation naming this Arbor Week in San Francisco and I am excited to cap it off by planting a signature in honor of Nelson Mandela,” Supervisor Breed said.

Public Works also will host a family-fun eco fair from 9 a.m. to noon at the Ella Hill Hutch Community Center where visitors can build planters and plant flowers and herbs, learn how to plant trees, ride up in the sky in a bucket truck, enter poster contests, pet goats and more.

“Arbor Week brings us together as a community to celebrate and care for our trees, which provide important environmental benefits and beautify our neighborhoods,” said San Francisco Public Works Director Mohammed Nuru. “Nurturing and growing our urban forest help keep San Francisco a world-class city.”

San Francisco Arbor Week 2014 events: 

 Thursday, March 13, 9 a.m.: Commemorative tree planting in honor of Sandra Cuadra, 24th and Harrison streets 

 Saturday, March 15:

• 9 a.m.-noon: Family-friendly eco fair, Ella Hill Hutch Community Center, 1050 McAllister St.
• 9 a.m.-noon: Neighborhood tree plantings: Lombard Street, Laguna to Fillmore; Post and Franklin; Fillmore Street, Post to Geary; Diamond Heights Boulevard; Ella Hill Hutch Community Center
• 10:30 a.m.: Signature tree planting in honor of Nelson Mandela, Ella Hill Hutch Community Center, 1050 McAllister St.

Community Clean Team partners include the Recreation and Park Department, San Francisco Housing Authority, Juvenile Probation Department, San Francisco Arts Commission, all 11 members of the Board of Supervisors, the San Francisco Police Department, Department of the Environment, Port of San Francisco, Sheriff’s Department, Clean City, Caltrans, San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, San Francisco Unified School District, Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services, SF Parks Alliance, United Playaz, San Francisco Baha’i Faith, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and Project 20 Pretrial Diversion Program.

Community Clean Team is sponsored by Public Works, Starbucks, Walgreens, Recology, Academy of Art University, the Emerald Fund, the San Francisco Hilton, Luxor Cab Co., Laborers’ Local 261 and PG&E. Giant Sweep’s major sponsors include Recology, Clear Channel Outdoor, PG&E and Webcor.

About San Francisco Public Works: The 24/7 City agency cleans and resurfaces streets; plants and nurtures City-maintained street trees; designs, constructs and maintains City-owned facilities; inspects streets and sidewalks; builds curb ramps; eradicates graffiti; partners with neighborhoods; trains people for jobs; greens the right of way; and educates our communities.

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