Volunteers Sought for Tree Plantings

The Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District has launched its second annual volunteer oak tree planting program, with the goal of planting 3,500 saplings in eastern Ventura County.

The park district is looking for volunteers to plant trees in and around Simi Valley, Oak Park and Agoura, said Sharon Hamilton, the district’s volunteer program coordinator.

One-year-old coast live oaks--measuring one to three feet tall--are available free at Ecology Landscape & Design in Simi Valley and at Landscape Supply & Garden Center in Agoura, Hamilton said. The trees were grown and donated by Mitsuwa Nursery in Moorpark, she said.

Volunteers will also be given planting instructions and maps of designated planting areas, Hamilton said.

Those who adopt trees will be responsible for caring for them, Hamilton said. Once planted, the trees need to be watered and mulched about once every two months.

The park district and the Mitsuwa Nursery joined together last year in an effort to replace trees that have been lost to drought, development, fires and natural diseases.

Last year, 700 to 800 trees were planted in the east county through the program.

So far this year, schools, scouting organizations and clubs have already volunteered to participate.