Employees from the Valero Benicia Refinery participated in a Tree Care Day organized by the Benicia Tree Foundation on October 9, 2025. Twenty-five Coast live oak trees growing along East Second Street south of the Valero administration building were pruned.
“Coast live oak trees are a natural occurrence on the land surrounding the refinery,” said Alison Fleck, Benicia Tree Foundation board member. She explained that the pruning was needed to help the trees develop strong branching and to make sure the branches don’t encroach on the adjacent traffic lane.
Fellow board member, Steven Goetz, commented on the partnership between the Benicia Tree Foundation and Valero which began in 2016. “The Benicia Tree Foundation is very grateful for how Valero and its employees have supported our mission these many years. For this Tree Care Day the company donated funds to purchase pruners and hand saws. This donation will have a lasting impact since the equipment can be used in our future volunteer events.”
“We appreciate that Valero has helped us improve Benicia’s tree canopy,” said Goetz. “We track volunteer hours and Valero employees so far have contributed 578 hours to plant and maintain trees in Benicia. We have since worked with other companies in the area to organize volunteer events with their employees to help grow trees in Benicia.”