The City of Santa Clarita is gearing up for its third annual Oaktober celebration. The month-long event is held during the month of October, which is Oak Tree Awareness Month, to promote the preservation of and increase resident awareness about Santa Clarita’s native oak tree population.
The 2009 Oaktober festivities will include an oak tree planting at Leona Cox Elementary School on Tuesday, October 6 at 10 a.m., as well as an additional tree plating to be conducted by City staff at Santa Clarita Park. Community members are also invited to come together on Saturday, October 24 to participate in planting 20 oak trees along the Chuck Pontius Commuter Rail Trail and Santa Clara River. The community planting is held in conjunction with Make a Difference Day, a national holiday dedicated to helping others.
“The City’s oak tree preservation efforts continue beyond Oaktober, and 2009 marks the 19th year in a row in which Santa Clarita received the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection’s prestigious Tree City USA award,” said Mayor Frank Ferry. “Oaktober provides the opportunity for community members to participate in continued protection efforts toward the beautiful trees that have been a part of Santa Clarita for hundreds of years.”
In addition to tree plantings, the City’s Urban Forestry Division will host an Oak Tree Community Workshop on Wednesday October 21 from 6:30-8 p.m. at the City’s Sports Complex, located at 20880 Centre Pointe Parkway. The seminar will provide valuable information on the care of oak trees, including proper pruning, pest and disease treatment and landscaping. Additional information will also be provided on the City’s oak tree permit process, as well as fire and brush clearance regulations required by the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
Guests at the seminar can also sign up to receive a free five gallon native oak tree, compliments of the City’s Urban Forestry Division. Community members can RSVP by contacting the City’s Urban Forestry division at (661) 294-2500 to secure one of the 60 spots available for the presentation.
For more information on Oaktober and its corresponding events, or to RSVP for the Oak Tree Community Workshop, please contact the City’s Urban Forestry division or visit santa-clarita.com.
