Canopy's History

Early City Trees

Tree-lined streets are a Palo Alto landmark. In its native state, parts of what is now Palo Alto were forested with oaks and redwoods but much of the area was grassland. In the early days after the City was incorporated, members of the Palo Alto Women’s Club carried milk cans full of water in their horse-drawn buggies to trees they had planted alongside the community’s dirt roads. In 1902, school children helped to save many native oaks from being removed as hazards to motor cars. These early citizens had a vision of a healthy canopy of trees that would be enjoyed for generations to come. The loss of Palo Alto’s trees would be a serious blow to the city’s identity.

The Tree Task Force

In 1993, in response to citizen concern about Palo Alto’s deteriorating urban forest, the City Council appointed a Tree Task Force to assess the health of Palo Alto’s trees. After two years of study, the Task Force confirmed the benefits of the urban forest and recommended a consistent program of tree planting, maintenance, and education. The conclusions of the Task Force served as a wake-up call.

Canopy is Born

Canopy was established in 1996 based on the recommendations of the Tree Task Force. A 15-member Steering Committee was established. The Peninsula Conservation Center foundation, a local environmental resource center and 501(c)(3) organization, became Canopy’s fiscal agent. An executive director was hired, and volunteer recruitment and tree planting began in November 1996. In 2002, Canopy incorporated as a separate Section 501(c)(3) organization.

Canopy’s programs educate and involve the community. They are all designed to expand the number of trees in Palo Alto and to improve the chances that existing trees will stay healthy. See our Programs section for more on what Canopy has to offer.

The Future

Like the early citizens of Palo alto taking their milk cans around to water new trees, we must take responsibility today if we want ourselves and future generations of Palo Alto residents to enjoy a healthy urban forest, with all the environmental, economic, and aesthetic benefits it brings.