Minimizing tree losses, maximizing tree love
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
Rebuilding our volunteer workforce is an urgent job
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
Preparing for a Dangerously Hotter Future
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
Super volunteer Charlie Starbuck 1937-2021
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
Let’s make real change, starting where we live
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
Trees aren’t the only things that produce oxygen and absorb CO2
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
Deforestation: An Urgent Problem
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.
Meet Sammara, our first Public Relations Intern
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
Introducing our next executive director
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
2021 Greener Block Award: Inner Richmond
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
A history of our relationship with San Francisco Public Works
Forty years ago this year, the city of San Francisco cut the budget for the planting of street trees due to budget constraints. Five folks
Building a thriving urban forest takes more than love
“Under the canopy of the trees, daily dramas and moving love stories are played out. Here is the last remaining piece of Nature, right on
Tell City Hall: we need more trees
“The best available technology for pulling carbon dioxide from the air is something called a tree.” ― Al Gore Sometimes the urban forest needs advocates
5 Trees to Plant for Better Air in San Francisco
By Anna Wright One of the biggest benefits of trees is their ability to improve air quality. Urban forests are often called a city’s lungs
Dan Flanagan to step down; search for new FUF leader begins
Dan Flanagan, executive director of Friends of the Urban Forest since 2008, has announced plans to retire this spring. FUF’s board of directors has engaged
Healthy Soil
The key to a healthy garden (vegetable, habitat, or ornamental) is understanding your soil. Soil requirements can vary among different garden types, but there are
Planting native vs. non-native tree species
Very few of the tree species we plant are native; they include Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia) and California Buckeye (Aesculus californica). But few tree
See a tree problem? Report it!
If you notice a street tree that has been damaged or knocked over by a vehicle, or vandalized, or that has dropped a limb or
Keeping your block beautiful
San Francisco is a challenging place for street trees and sidewalk gardens because of our sandy or clay-like soils, strong salty winds, rainless summers, and
Self-guided tree walks
Thanks to the efforts of three local tree experts, you can enjoy more than a dozen self-guided walking tree tours in various San Francisco neighborhoods.
Controlling pests the natural way
A gardener’s knee-jerk reaction to pests (whether animal, insect, OR plant) is usually “kill it!” or “pull it!” — but is there a better alternative?
Movie/Book Recommendations From FUF
By Tatevik Aslanian It’s been difficult to safely get any time outdoors lately, and by now most of us have burned through our watch lists. So
Parks to Experience the Outdoors in San Francisco
Written by Vincent Distrola One of my favorite things to do on a day off is pack a small lunch, fill my water bottles, and
Greener Block Award winners for 2020
Every year, Friends of the Urban Forest recognizes a community with the Brian Tsai Greener Block Award (formerly called the “Most Greenified Block Award,” and
Join us in writing letters for trees!
以下中文说明 | Instrucciones en español a continuación We need your help writing letters to SF residents encouraging them to sign up for a
Racial justice = environmental justice
We want to live in a world where Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) don’t have to bear the burden of environmental injustice, violent
Our most-planted street trees of the decade
Since 1981, Friends of the Urban Forest has planted about 60,000 trees. We’ve always done our best to identify, obtain, and plant species that are
Why We Love Magnolia Trees
Written by Vincent Distrola Growing up in the Golden State feels surreal. If you were to take a drive starting at the bottom of the
Nowhere near the greenest city
San Francisco has a “green” reputation, but when it comes to “tree canopy coverage” — the percentage of our land area that’s covered by trees