Preparing for a Dangerously Hotter Future September 26, 2021 - The extreme heat events we’re witnessing in the West are frightening. We’re way past the point of a “wake-up call” when it comes to our rapidly warming planet. Science tells us that 20 years from now, extreme heat waves are likely to increase in San Francisco — and we’ll need to be ready. How are... read more »
Super volunteer Charlie Starbuck 1937-2021 September 16, 2021 - Charlie Starbuck, known for his astounding record of volunteer service to San Francisco’s urban forest, died at age 84 on Sunday, September 5 at a Kaiser hospital. Charlie participated in most of the community tree planting events organized by Friends of the Urban Forest since we were founded in 1981. We estimate that he planted... read more »
Let’s make real change, starting where we live August 22, 2021 - by Brian Wiedenmeier, Executive Director If you’re like me, you feel anxious this time of year. Drought and heat mean wildfires in Northern California, along with the bad air they create. As these fires become worse, it’s easy to feel helpless. Bringing neighbors together to plant and care for San Francisco’s urban forest is an... read more »
Trees aren’t the only things that produce oxygen and absorb CO2 July 25, 2021 - by Sammara Audi, Public Relations Intern As we all know by now, trees are amazing sources of oxygen, taking in carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen into the atmosphere via photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is the process of taking in carbon dioxide and water to produce glucose and oxygen as a by-product. It is primarily used by plants... read more »
Deforestation: An Urgent Problem July 7, 2021 - by Sammara Audi, Public Relations Intern Trees are a vital part of our environment, taking in carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen to clear the atmosphere. They’re one of our main sources of oxygen and are essential for the survival of humans and wildlife. We get 16% of our overall oxygen from the trees and plants... read more »
Meet Sammara, our first Public Relations Intern June 24, 2021 - Hi, my name is Sammara Audi. Friends of the Urban Forest is starting its first Public Relations Internship and I have been offered the opportunity to be the first intern! I started becoming more aware of climate change and how important saving the environment is at around age 12. We were taught about the environment... read more »- Introducing our next executive director April 30, 2021 - From Dan’s Desk Good news for San Francisco’s urban forest: after an extensive search, Friends of the Urban Forest has hired Brian Wiedenmeier as our next executive director. He’ll start on June 8, which is when I’ll begin my long-awaited retirement. Members of the FUF community may already be familiar with Brian, because he’s currently... read more »
- 2021 Greener Block Award: Inner Richmond April 27, 2021 - The Inner Richmond neighborhood is the winner of the 2021 Brian Tsai Greener Block Award. Each year since 2013, FUF has recognized an area in San Francisco that has undergone the greatest “green” transformation during the past year. We evaluate candidates for the award on the basis of their progress in planting and maintaining street... read more »
- A history of our relationship with San Francisco Public Works April 19, 2021 - Forty years ago this year, the city of San Francisco cut the budget for the planting of street trees due to budget constraints. Five folks came together to start a non-profit to ensure that the city’s already meager urban tree canopy would continue to grow. Friends of the Urban Forest was born. One of the... read more »
- Building a thriving urban forest takes more than love February 12, 2021 - “Under the canopy of the trees, daily dramas and moving love stories are played out. Here is the last remaining piece of Nature, right on our doorstep.” ― Peter Wohlleben, The Hidden Life of Trees Like us, you may be enjoying the much-needed rainy season and noticing hints of spring, such as the fragrant... read more »