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Commission recommends heritage-tree designation for 67-inch valley oak at Little Chico Creek Elementary
Summary
The Park and Playground Commission voted 6-0 to recommend city council designate a 67-inch Quercus lobata on the Little Chico Creek Elementary School grounds as a heritage tree. Students, school staff and parks staff described its educational and ecological value.
The Park and Playground Commission voted unanimously to recommend that the city council designate a 67‑inch valley oak (Quercus lobata) on the grounds of Little Chico Creek Elementary School, 2090 Amanda Way, as a heritage tree.
Parks staff described the tree as a “veteran” specimen that meets the voluntary heritage-tree program criteria for native oaks 36 inches or larger and for uniqueness. Staff noted the tree sits adjacent to school playground areas and serves as an outdoor classroom used by younger students and as habitat for owls. Students Juliana and Connor addressed the commission, describing the tree as “super special” and saying it is home to a family of owls and an outdoor classroom where children learn about acorns and food chains.
Mr. Weber, the staff presenter, estimated the tree’s age at about 120 years based on comparative ring counts of similar fallen trees, and said the tree shows cavities and signs of advanced age but remains healthy for its size. Staff told commissioners there is no automatic maintenance obligation triggered by designation; however, Chico Unified School District has agreed to remove turf and cap some sprinklers beneath the tree, and the city indicated it can provide mulch and investigate pro bono pruning work by city contractors, similar to recent work in Bidwell Park.
The commission moved to recommend approval of the application to city council; the motion was seconded and passed 6-0. Commissioners voting yes were Commissioner Nava, Commissioner Nichols, Commissioner Paiva, Commissioner Shearer, Vice Chair Blaschley and Chair Willis.
Speakers at the hearing included school principal Kristen Schrock, longtime volunteer Tom McLean, and students Juliana and Connor, who spoke in support of the designation. The commission closed the hearing after no other public speakers registered.
Staff said they will forward the commission recommendation to the city council for final action and will coordinate proposed maintenance steps (mulch, sprinkler adjustments, and potential pro bono pruning) with Chico Unified School District and city contractors.
