The Oakland Parks and Recreation Foundation (OPRF) manages the Community Greening Program, planting trees in Oakland’s most underserved neighborhoods, areas disproportionately impacted by pollution, industrial activity, and climate change. Often considered "green deserts," these areas lack tree canopy and green spaces.
Our program is a key part of our commitment to community stewardship and environmental equity. It helps increase climate resilience, environmental health, and community well-being.
Where We Are Currently
Deep East Oakland
OPRF’s Community Greening Team has planted nearly hundreds of trees in Deep East Oakland in partnership with the Better Neighborhoods, Same Neighbors (BNSN) project, the Transformative Climate Communities (TCC) program, and the City of Oakland. Tree planting will continue beyond the TCC grant goals in Deep East Oakland with help from neighborhood-based tree planting groups, such as Biological Reserve Cerro Hermoso.
Contact us if you’d like to be involved in growing Oakland’s Urban Forest, and taking part in our transformative 50-year Urban Forest Plan.
West Oakland
OPRF is leading the West Oakland Sustainable Transportation Equity Project (WOSTEP) to plant up to 1500 new trees and shrubs, and developing a community-based urban greening stewardship model. At the same time, WOSTEP grant funds are being used to repair sidewalks and upgrade curb ramps in West Oakland neighborhoods. If you live in West Oakland and would like to request a tree, please follow this link (insert link to WOSTEP tree request survey) and fill out the survey so we can come take a look at your site.
Why This Matters
Residents in Deep East Oakland and West Oakland face some of the highest health risks in the nation due to severe air pollution from nearby freeways, industrial activity, The Port of Oakland, and the Oakland International Airport.
The Community Greening Program tree plantings addresses these challenges by:
Capturing harmful air pollution
Reducing the urban heat island effect
Mitigating stormwater flooding
Improving mental health and overall well-being
The trees planted by OPRF and community volunteers are already making a difference: improving air quality, reducing urban heat, managing stormwater, and enhancing community health.
Over the next 20 years, they will collectively:
🌳 Sequester 340,000 lbs of carbon
🌳 Filter 1,250,000 lbs of CO2
🌳 Capture 1,350,000 gallons of stormwater runoff
Our Community Greening Team is Community-Oriented and Volunteer-Powered!
We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who makes this transformative work possible! Our success depends on the commitment and efforts of local residents, volunteers, and community partners. Since 2022, volunteers have helped plant over 1,500 trees, with more planned this year.
Help make Oakland a healthier, greener place to live! Join our Community Greening Team as a volunteer or through a team-building stewardship experience with your organization, school or workplace.