Tree-Planting Program Grows Quick

The first phase of a tree-planting program launched by county Supervisor Greg Caput is underway, his office announced this week.

Caput, who represents Watsonville as District 4 Supervisor, aims to plant 25,000 trees in Santa Cruz County during the three-year program.

Big Creek Lumber Company and Cal Poly’s Swanton Pacific each donated 500 redwood trees, and residents and organizations took advantage of late spring rains to plant. Richard and Frank Estrada and Bill Vaughan of Staub Forestry, who secured the tree donations, helped select sites and ensured proper planting technique, tree species selection and location.

Also, churches, schools and residents have planted nearly 5,000 trees, most of which are redwoods.

"All told, residents of Santa Cruz County have demonstrated that when it comes to the environment, they are willing to step up and do whatever is necessary," Caput said in a prepared statement. He also planned to hold a press conference in front of the Watsonville Library on Friday morning.

Anyone interested in participating in the program by accepting trees for planting or assisting in the actual planting, contact Caput’s office at 831-454-2200, 831-763-4712 or greg.caput@co.santa-cruz.ca.us. If supplemental watering is not feasible, planting will likely be scheduled for the winter of 2013.