ReLeaf in sight

Susan McCormack

COSTA MESA -- Given that most people break their New Year’s resolutions,

what ReLeaf Costa Mesa did six years ago seemed almost unthinkable. The

group made a millennium resolution.

Group members decided they would plant 2,000 trees in the city by 2000.

And they’re almost there.

“We really want to make our goal,” said Liz Meyer, president of the

group. “Now that we’re this close, we’re all tired but see the end in

sight.”

The pledge was made in 1994, a year after the group formed. While some

members were at first a bit dubious that the goal could be met, a recent

$4,594 grant from the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection and

California ReLeaf has made it seem possible.

“It’s been a long seven years, but it’s very rewarding when you drive

down the street and go ‘We planted these trees,”’ Meyer said.

The grant will go toward purchasing 130 trees, which cost about $30 each,

leaving the group to forage for funds to pay for the last 176.

The nonprofit group was organized in 1993. Since then, it has planned

several tree-planting events each year, during which it has planted an

average of 40 to 50 trees in areas such as the Freedom Homes tract, Mesa

Verde and Costa Mesa High School.

Volunteers are being sought to participate in the next planting, which is

scheduled for Jan. 22 in the Mesa Del Mar neighborhood.

“You can’t do it yourself. You have to work with other people,” said

member Kris Hagen, referring to the size and weight of the young trees,

which are transported in 15-gallon buckets. “That’s one of the pluses of

the project.”

Plantings usually take place on Saturdays and involve up to 40 people,

Meyer said. The group may be small, but members are determined to achieve

their goals.

“We believe passionately in trees,” Hagen said.

Members of the group say their projects not only bring the community

together, but that the planted trees benefit the city by filling vacant

spots, providing shade and increasing property values.

These benefits have not gone unnoticed. In addition to Councilwoman Linda

Dixon being a ReLeaf board member, Meyer said Councilwoman Libby Cowan

has been instrumental in helping the group obtain funding. And Councilman

Joe Erickson has participated in plantings. Also, the city has helped the

group by providing labor and funding for trees.

Anyone interested in learning more may call (714) 437-5874.