Minimizing tree losses, maximizing tree love February 24, 2022 - by Mike Yarak, Urban Forestry Program Manager As manager of our urban forestry program, I’m often torn between pride in the positive impact we’ve made on the greening of San Francisco and a real concern that we’re not doing enough. Thanks to our dedicated staff, volunteers, and donors, we’ll be planting at least 1,100 street... read more »
Rebuilding our volunteer workforce is an urgent job November 15, 2021 - by Susie Wasserstrom, Community Engagement Program Manager It’s a time of year for giving thanks, and I’m thankful that volunteers will soon be able to join our tree plantings again. We suspended planting trees altogether during San Francisco’s shelter-in-place order last year. When that was lifted, we got back to work with staff-only planting crews.... read more »
Preparing for a Dangerously Hotter Future September 26, 2021 - The extreme heat events we’re witnessing in the West are frightening. We’re way past the point of a “wake-up call” when it comes to our rapidly warming planet. Science tells us that 20 years from now, extreme heat waves are likely to increase in San Francisco — and we’ll need to be ready. How are... read more »
Super volunteer Charlie Starbuck 1937-2021 September 16, 2021 - Charlie Starbuck, known for his astounding record of volunteer service to San Francisco’s urban forest, died at age 84 on Sunday, September 5 at a Kaiser hospital. Charlie participated in most of the community tree planting events organized by Friends of the Urban Forest since we were founded in 1981. We estimate that he planted... read more »
Let’s make real change, starting where we live August 22, 2021 - by Brian Wiedenmeier, Executive Director If you’re like me, you feel anxious this time of year. Drought and heat mean wildfires in Northern California, along with the bad air they create. As these fires become worse, it’s easy to feel helpless. Bringing neighbors together to plant and care for San Francisco’s urban forest is an... read more »
Trees aren’t the only things that produce oxygen and absorb CO2 July 25, 2021 - by Sammara Audi, Public Relations Intern As we all know by now, trees are amazing sources of oxygen, taking in carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen into the atmosphere via photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is the process of taking in carbon dioxide and water to produce glucose and oxygen as a by-product. It is primarily used by plants... read more »
Deforestation: An Urgent Problem July 7, 2021 - by Sammara Audi, Public Relations Intern Trees are a vital part of our environment, taking in carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen to clear the atmosphere. They’re one of our main sources of oxygen and are essential for the survival of humans and wildlife. We get 16% of our overall oxygen from the trees and plants... read more »
Meet Sammara, our first Public Relations Intern June 24, 2021 - Hi, my name is Sammara Audi. Friends of the Urban Forest is starting its first Public Relations Internship and I have been offered the opportunity to be the first intern! I started becoming more aware of climate change and how important saving the environment is at around age 12. We were taught about the environment... read more »- Introducing our next executive director April 30, 2021 - From Dan’s Desk Good news for San Francisco’s urban forest: after an extensive search, Friends of the Urban Forest has hired Brian Wiedenmeier as our next executive director. He’ll start on June 8, which is when I’ll begin my long-awaited retirement. Members of the FUF community may already be familiar with Brian, because he’s currently... read more »
- 2021 Greener Block Award: Inner Richmond April 27, 2021 - The Inner Richmond neighborhood is the winner of the 2021 Brian Tsai Greener Block Award. Each year since 2013, FUF has recognized an area in San Francisco that has undergone the greatest “green” transformation during the past year. We evaluate candidates for the award on the basis of their progress in planting and maintaining street... read more »