Nearly 30 girl scouts, parents and friends from Benicia Troop 30433 planted 15 trees and spread yards of mulch at Clocktower Park on January 18 as part of the Tree Promise Project by Girl Scouts of America. This national program began in 2021 with the goal to plant five million trees in five years. This is Benicia’s second Tree Promise Project.
Troop Leader Bridget Nestor reached out to Benicia Tree Foundation after learning about Benicia’s first Tree Promise Project at Francesca Terrace Park last November. In addition to completing a Tree Promise Project, each scout has committed to volunteer 20 hours at City parks this year,” said Nestor.
Steven Goetz, Benicia Tree Foundation board member, coordinated with the City of Benicia and Pacific Gas & Electric to schedule the project with the girl scouts. “The City quickly came forward with the Clocktower Park site that needed trees in the parking lot,” said Goetz. “PG&E agreed to donate the trees for the project as part of their Right Tree, Right Place program,”
During the event, Goetz explained to the volunteers the importance of selecting the right tree and right location when adding trees to the landscape. He described locations in the parking lot where certain trees became maintenance problems or interfered with overhead utilities.
To stay safe, the City had to call 811 at least two working days before digging to allow utility crews to mark the underground utilities. Goetz said that information on this free service, safe planting guidelines, recommended trees and how to partner with the Right Tree, Right Place program can be found at the website pge.com/righttreerightplace.
PG&E’s Right Tree, Right Place Program Manager, Bill Litel, said, “we are always grateful for opportunities to enhance the beauty and quality of life in Benicia and in all our hometowns. Our team is passionate about helping communities plant safely away from powerlines and pipelines to help prevent wildfires and reduce power outages.”
The volunteers planted all trees and placed all mulch by 11:30. “Benicia will see our scouts complete volunteer projects at other City parks this year while earning their Community Service badge, “ said Nestor.
