Canopy, city urban forestry present planting progress and draft Tree & Landscape Technical Manual; public seeks stronger native-species and biodiversity focus

Nonprofit Canopy and the City of Palo Alto’s urban forestry section briefed the Parks and Recreation Commission on Feb. 25 on community planting efforts and on a draft Tree & Landscape Technical Manual, which is intended to provide technical details and forms to implement the city’s tree ordinance.

Canopy Executive Director JP Renaud and Community Forestry Coordinator Evony Wang described community planting and volunteer programs. Wang said Canopy has completed two community plantings this season and had planted about 48 of the 120 trees scheduled for the fiscal year, with the goal to complete the remainder before May. Canopy emphasized volunteer training, school and youth engagement, a three-year young-tree care commitment for canopy-planted trees, and a tree hotline for resident questions.

Renaud and Wang said Canopy focuses planting in South Palo Alto where canopy…