Trees make a difference

FALLBROOK- Save Our Forest, a branch of the Fallbrook Land Conservancy, made a huge impact in their continuing effort to enhance Fallbrook. The regular Sunday work party enlisted a few from other SOF work parties to plant four new Magnolia trees on the corner of E. Mission and North Vine St. and four replacement trees in other locations. What was once a bare asphalt parking lot now houses trees and a strip-planter to break up the heat island created by expanses of asphalt or concrete. Enhancement is the immediate gratification for tree planting. The long-range effects are a more healthful environment, and conservation of energy.

Partnering with the owners of the property, the Mungo family, the first new trees for some time in downtown Fallbrook were placed in record time. That was due largely to the support of Gene Heyden of Bobcat Specialties who donated his time to remove the asphalt and dig the holes for the planting. Heyden was a key contributor for one of the original planting of hundreds of trees that took place in 1997 digging holes to facilitate the planting of hundreds of trees at that time. His work saved the crew hours of back-breaking labor preparing the sites.

Jackie Heyneman, spokesperson for the SOF group commented that the feeling of pride and joy of seeing the effect of trees is worth all the hard work. This sentiment was echoed by every participant in the event.

Replacement trees were planted on Brandon Street and on South Mission Road also.

If you are interested in being part of the tree group, please call 728-5395. Work parties happen twice a month. Tree stewards water and care for individual trees. Many other vital services to the SOF support of community are part of the scope of the SOF.