More than 70 volunteers gathered at a Johnson Open Space in San Luis Obispo with a shared goal of getting as many trees in the ground as possible before lunchtime on Feb. 7.
The event, marked by the steady sound of shovels breaking soil, was part of an ongoing community effort to expand the region’s urban forest and address climate change at the local level.
The planting was hosted by the Environment Center of San Luis Obispo (ECOSLO), a nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting people with nature while promoting environmental stewardship. In 2023, ECOSLO launched a major initiative supporting the City of San Luis Obispo’s goal of planting 10,000 trees by 2035. Since then, tree planting efforts have taken place throughout the city and in local parks.
Ellie Howell, ECOSLO’s volunteer coordinator, plays a central role in organizing these events. She manages outreach, locations for events and oversees volunteer participation. According to Howell, the organization’s mission extends beyond planting trees.
“Our main goal as an organization is just to connect people to nature more and to build that community,” Howell said.
The strong turnout at the Johnson Open Space planting reflects what Howell describes as growing interest in local climate action.
“People want to help, and I think a lot of the time, they don’t know how,” she said.
Many of ECOSLO’s tree-planting events are often held on land stewarded by the yakʔitʸutʸu Northern Chumash Tribe. Trees planted in these areas provide a range of environmental benefits, from carbon sequestration to habitat creation.
“They do a lot of good in regards to the fight against climate change,” Howell said. “No matter what, they always act as a home for wildlife or a support system for wildlife.”
Volunteers at the event represented a wide cross-section of the community. Among them was Mars Collegian, an animal science junior at Cal Poly who works directly with land and livestock. Collegian emphasized that impactful climate action requires consistent efforts.
“Planting more trees is going to be helpful, and not only just planting them, but making sure that we take care of them enough so that they reach a point where they’re able to mature,” she said.
Younger residents are also taking part in the effort. Cassandra Gee, a student at San Luis Obispo High School, regularly volunteers with ECOSLO and sees climate action as an important way to get involved with her community.
“Especially in recent years, I feel like it falls more on me to take up that responsibility and help,” said Gee.
As San Luis Obispo works towards its 2035 tree-planting goals, events like this highlight the role of community engagement in addressing climate change. Through hands-on participation and consistent effort, volunteers are helping to ensure that newly planted trees will grow into lasting environmental assets for the region.
Anyone interested in volunteering or learning more about upcoming events can visit ECOSLO’s website.