Trees group plans festival, planting in Richmond
By Chris Treadway
Contra Costa Times
Posted:   11/01/2012 05:18:55 PM PDT
Updated:   11/02/2012 07:19:16 AM PDT

RICHMOND -- The group Richmond Trees, which started in one neighborhood and has expanded its focus to the entire city, will hold a Harvest Festival and Tree Planting from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.
The event, headquartered on 35th Street between Roosevelt and Cerrito avenues, will team residents from the North and East neighborhood and volunteers from Richmond Trees, Groundwork Richmond and The Watershed Project.
Together they will plant 30 street trees after a morning orientation, then regroup for traditional Mexican serenade music at 11 a.m. by local group La Rondalla del Sagrado Corazón, remarks at noon by police Chief Chris Magnus and Parks and Landscaping Superintendent Chris Chamberlain.
"Healthy harvest refreshments, water and coffee will be available for a small donation that will support the work Richmond Trees is doing in the community to grow the urban forest," say organizers, and the event will have art activities and games for children.
The planting was assisted by a grant from California ReLeaf, and the effort has support from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection with funding from the Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and Supply, Flood Control, River and Coastal Protection Bond Act of 2006.
PG&E also provided support for the purchase of trees, particularly new ones being planted under utility lines.
Supporters cite benefits of planting such as cleaning and replenishing the air, reducing stormwater runoff, providing a habitat for wildlife, and softening neighborhood noise.
It is further claimed that the "urban forest" is a deterrent to crime and a boon to property values.
"An attractive neighborhood enhanced by the natural beauty of trees sends a message that the people who live there care and are engaged with what's going on around them," Magnus said. "This helps decrease crime and improves safety for all residents."
For more details about the planting and festival event or about Richmond Trees, contact the group at info@richmondtrees.org or 510-843-8844.
Contact Chris Treadway at 510-262-2784 or ctreadway@bayareanewsgroup.com. Follow him at Twitter.com/christreadway. Stay up-to-date on West Contra Costa news at IBABuzz.com/westcounty.