Over 100 volunteers gathered Saturday for Tree Stockton and Clean California’s “Show Up for Louis Park” event.
The event, coinciding with National Hug a Tree Day, included opportunities for the planting of 35 trees, litter cleanup and painting of parking blocks.
Tree Stockton president Julie Dunning was excited to see many a wide variety of community members coming together from parents and children, to Girl Scout and Boy Scout troops.
Dunning commented on the importance of planting trees as we approach warmer weather in the coming months.
“While these trees won’t provide much shade right now, for future generations being out here, it will provide a nice cool canopy,” she said. “As our climate continues to progress, trees are going to become more essential, not only to eliminate heat items, but also keep the air purified, and a number of other factors. They help provide a rain shield by absorbing rain to help with flooding.”
Local artists Tiffany Pech and Ashcan Grandpa coordinated the community mural aspect of the day. The pair primed the blocks, sketched outlines of animals native to the Calaveras River region, and provided paint and reference images for volunteers.
