Previously, I wrote about the benefits that trees provide us in Irvine and elsewhere ("Why Trees are Important in Irvine and Every Community"). In that post, I briefly mentioned Shadetree Partnership Inc., which is a "non profit (501 (c) (3) volunteer-based organization that promotes more livable communities through the planting and stewardship of shade trees and other nursery stock."

Shadetreeis located on UC Irvine grounds and has a partnership with the Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD). You might be wondering why IRWD has a partnership with a nonprofit that encourage tree planting. The reason is water—or more exactly, water-use reduction, stormwater management, and the water cleaning services that trees provide for free. See the post "Why Trees are Important to Irvine and Every Community"  for information on how trees provide these benefits.

The next volunteer day at Shadetree is June 7 from 8:30 to 11 am. Here is some of what you will be contributing to if you participate.

"Shadetree operates a 5 ½ acre nursery located on the campus of the University of California, Irvine where over 4,000 trees and shrubs/groundcover are currently growing. It is at that location that enthusiastic volunteers grow, care for and nurture trees, shrubs and groundcover for planting on public lands including schools, parks, churches, and cities. Since its formation in 1990, Shadetree has planted more than 26,500 trees and groundcover at various sites within the community. Many Orange County schools, colleges, community groups, non-profits and businesses have participated in Shadetree planting events.

Shadetree has partnered with 60+ Eagle Scout candidates to design, construct and complete their Eagle Scout Leadership projects. We also have opportunities community service hours for volunteers at monthly nursery events as well as programs for additional involvement with our Adopt-A-Row, and community service programs"

And if you know of an organization that would like a donation of some of these trees from Shadetree, here is what you need to know:

 "Shadetree Partnership has nursery stock from one gallon groundcover and shrubs to selected 15-gallon trees. All trees and plants must be planted on unfettered public lands, such as parks, school grounds, cemeteries, and public golf courses, etc. The trees you will be planting will be between two to three years old and will be approximately six feet in height or higher in the containers. Once you complete an application with your wish list, an appointment will be scheduled for you to visit the nursery to select and tag your stock. It will be your responsibility to pick up the stock from the nursery"

If you would like make a donation to Shadetree either in the form of a membership or tree stock, fill out the donation application.

In addition, here is a list of the current items that Shadetree could use:

• Small Tractor-Loader-Backhoe (Kobota PBX 4×4) – must be in working condition
• Shovels
• Hand Rakes
• Hula Hoes
• Loppers
• Hand Trimmers/cutters
• Hand Trowels
• Wheel Barrows
• Radio/Boom Box (new only)
• 5/gal Buckets
• 1/gal Containers
• 15/gal Containers
• 24-inch Wooden Boxes
• Potting Soil
• Green house supplies (heaters, thermometers, shelving, etc)
• Lodge Pole Stakes
• Fertilizer pellets
• Irrigation supplies