A CAL FIRE Urban Forestry Grant called “Leafing Out” has been awarded to the City of Oakdale in close cooperation with the Burchell Hill property owners. This unusual grant from CAL FIRE provides $7,500 for the planting of 80 trees in the Burchell Hill area. Matching funds of $2,500 from the City of Oakdale will create a total project budget of $10,000.

The Burchell Hill area is a 354 home subdivision, located in the northeastern part of Oakdale, which includes three neighborhood parks and is surrounded by trails.

The trails are enjoyed by everyone, from seniors walking dogs to young mothers with baby strollers, and joggers. One of the trails borders on the Oakdale Irrigation District (OID) easement on the southern edge of the neighborhood extending from North Maag Avenue to East C Street. The first half of the trees to be planted will be planted at the Maag Avenue Drainage Basin Park at North Maag Avenue and Treecrest Circle and will continue along this trail to East C Street.

One important requirement of the CAL FIRE Grant is that the work is to be done primarily by volunteers. So the Burchell Hill Homeowners Association is working to encourage support for the planting effort from local residents, city employees, service clubs, and others who care to help the effort. The Oakdale Lions Club has already committed to support the effort with volunteers from their organization.

The first planting is fittingly scheduled to be held on Earth Day, this Saturday, April 21.

Volunteers are urged to come join the fun and help with the planting. The volunteer effort will be launched at 8:45 a.m. at the drainage basin park at North Maag Avenue.

For additional information about this event, contact Linda Johanson at 209-848-5536.