Across San Luis Obispo, something powerful is taking root—one tree, one partnership, one act of service at a time. In 2022, Rotary San Luis Obispo de Tolosa committed to plant 100 trees each year for 10 years. The count now stands at over 500 live oak seedlings and other native trees thriving across the community. This program not only beautifies the parks and opens spaces of San Luis Obispo but also reduces green house gases and builds community – all key Rotary objectives.
What’s been especially exciting is how the program has attracted broad interest. The “Plant It Forward” program demonstrates the Club’s commitment to youth and building partnerships. The excitement of getting outdoors and making a difference has engaged members, their families, community volunteers, and even attracted new Rotarians. This collaboration with the City of San Luis Obispo supports its Climate Action Plan to plant 10,000 trees. At maturity each of the trees will have converted over three tons of carbon dioxide into living carbon in the soil.
Since we’ve begun, Plant It Forward has drawn even more partnering opportunities with other local Rotary Clubs, Future Farmers of America students in the local high school, Cal Poly, Rotaractors, and environmental organizations. Rotary de Tolosa provides informational signage at each site that also boosts the Rotary brand.
Tree planting is a project every Rotary Club can do. With community partners, you can spread out the tasks for people of differing skills and physical abilities. Contact Brian Metcalf for more information (bmetcalf805@gmail.com).
