Tree Lodi plants two dozen trees at Lodi Lake

At least 35 volunteers gathered by Tree Lodi and Local Boy Scout Logan Roper rolled up their sleeves and got their hands dirty last Saturday, planting two dozen trees near the new boat launch at Lodi Lake.

According to Tree Lodi President Steve Dutra, the group partnered with Lodi Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services and Roper to plant the trees. Roper is working with Tree Lodi for his Eagle Scout project and was in charge of securing and overseeing the volunteer group. The city donated materials such as tree stakes, ties and trunk guards for the project.

Tree Lodi donated $1,400 for the trees and on Dec. 21 the group will make a formal presentation to the Lodi City Council. They also recommended the species of trees, such as oak and willow oak, and planting locations to the City of Lodi.

Dutra said there are three goals when planting trees at Lodi Lake: Make sure the trees are native to California, that they fit the riparian area criteria and that they are long-lived and low-maintenance.

Dutra said the tree planting was a follow-up to the boat launch project the city has just completed, which resulted in the removal of 25 trees. Tree Lodi has replaced them with two dozen more trees and is committed to maintaining them for the next three years. Roper has committed to help with maintenance for the first two to three months.

Dutra said one of Tree Lodi’s missions is to manage oversight of the urban forest and provide shade for picnic goers and park visitors, as well as provide habitats for wildlife. He pointed out that trees are valuable in many ways, including aesthetics, increased property values and wildlife habit benefits.

Dutra noted that the city recently submitted its 15th consecutive Tree City USA application.

“If we get that designation this year, it will be the 15th consecutive year. That just sets Lodi apart from a lot of other communities in California,” Dutra said.

Dutra invites those who have an interest in partnering or helping with Tree Lodi to participate in Arbor Day, which is typically held the first Saturday in April every year. He also welcomes interested parties to get involved with the memorial tree program administered by Tree Lodi and the city.

For more information on Tree Lodi and how to get involved, contact Steve Dutra at 209-210-0255 or City Park Project Coordinator Steve Virrey at 209-368-1012.