Nearly 50 people turned out at Crocker Park for a meaningful and enjoyable Arbor Day Witness for the 55 oaks at Blair Park on Friday afternoon, April 22nd, held near a tree-planting ceremony that was organized by the City of Piedmont. Our large banner, hand painted by FOMC board member Morrisa Sherman, was a work of art with a background of trees and sky and the words “SAVE OUR OAK WOODLAND—SAVE BLAIR PARK.” There were lots of marvelous signs, too. One featured a photo of the towering and beautiful ancient bay laurel tree in Blair Park with the words “SAVE ME—Respect Your Elders.”

We talked about our goal: to save the oak woodland which in addition to the live oaks, includes 100 other trees. We oppose having 155 trees unnecessarily sacrificed for a soccer field which is too big for the space. Our grassroots organization, which now has over 950 endorsers and the support of the Sierra Club and the Golden Gate Audubon Society, seeks a win-win solution that will bring the two opposing sides together. To that end, we support enlarging Coaches Field which will serve much of the need for field space without destroying the environment.

At the end of our ceremony, 8 people read quotations about trees, such as:

Afterwards, FOMC member Paulette Traverso gave out copies of a lovely tree card she had designed in honor of Arbor Day and our message. It starts out “Be tender to our earth…… “ Many of us are handing out copies to our neighbors. Thank you, Paulette!

Following our witness, some of us had the chance to talk with city officials after the tree planting ceremony. Many thanks to all who attended our event and to all those who have written such great letters to the media. The April 22nd Piedmonter & Montclarion had 13 letters from our supporters and there have been many in the other papers and blogs as well!

Friends of Moraga Canyon is entering a new phase in its fight against the Blair Park sports complex, and we can’t do it without your help. Please read the letter on the Donate page for more information on what we’ve done with your donations so far, and why we need more money in order to take stronger action to stop this dangerous and destructive project. Thank you for your support!