Community Corner
Adams Street Neighbors Plant Trees, Build Community
A block party Saturday was fun and functional, resulting in a more beautiful street.
The 900 block of Adams Street was bustling Saturday morning.
Resident, and owner, had organized a block party to plant a variety of trees under the direction of Albany's urban forester, Tony Wolcott.
Neighbors, along with city staff and volunteers, dug holes and planted trees -- 25 of them -- then celebrated with a potluck lunch in the street.
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Sala said she was delighted with the turnout.
"There has been a big change on the street in the last five years," she said. "There are many more families with young children now."
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Many of them enjoyed the chance to ride their bikes and skateboards in the street, which was blocked off to through-traffic for the day. Neighbors visited and helped each other with the heavy lifting.
Sala said she believes the event is a great community-builder for the neighborhood. When the residents are involved in planting the trees, they become invested in caring for them.
Tony Wolcott explained that part of his job is focused on educating people about the importance of trees in an urban environment.
For Saturday's block plantings, residents chose from trees on an approved list, and selected several to plant along the street. Not only is such variety pretty, it mitigates the spread of disease. Each tree was covered with a layer of cardboard to discourage weeds, and that in turn was covered with mulch.
Wolcott taught how to replace the nursery stakes with taller, sturdier stakes that allow the trees to bend.
"Trees gain strength by moving in the wind," he explained. Under the city's Block Urban Forest Focus (BUFF) program, residents agree to water the trees and the city takes care of mulching and pruning.
Other blocks in the area have signed up for similar events. The 900 block of Cerrito Street will plant trees on Nov. 19, and the 700 block of Adams Street will go to work on Dec. 10.
Residents interested in organizing their blocks to plant trees can email Tony Wolcott at twolcott@albanyca.org.
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