The program of activities included dignitaries from the City of Oakland, City Councilmember Jean Quan, the Chairperson from Brookdale Advisory Board Barbara Taylor, Lowell Middle School teacher Jeffery Taylor and participating students, the Tree Services Section Jerry Smith and Dan Gallagher, USDA Forest Service and International Society of Arboriculture, Woodsy the Owl, and the F.A.D. drill team.

To kick off the festivities the Finding Alternative Directions (F.A.D.) drill team and drum corps performed for the excited crowd, the team included Pee Wee youths ages 5 ~ 8 and Junior youths ages 8 ~ 12 years old. F.A.D. is a non-profit organization formed in 1981 through the leadership and inspiration of Reverend Rowden, with an emphasis on the healthy development of youth activities that promote role models and encourage positive lifestyle choices.

Lowell Middle School students were thrilled to help plant ten (10) trees throughout the spacious park; the youths broke up into several teams and planted a total of six trees together. The newly planted trees help to reduce energy costs, clean the air, produce economic benefits, screen noise and views, attract wildlife and slow runoff and prevent erosion.

Woodsy the Owl, who was surrounded by admirers, was a big hit with the youths and students who participated at this special event. Woodsy Owl "has his heart set on motivating kids to form healthy, lasting relationships with nature, he encourages youngsters to marvel at and explore the natural world to encourage everyone to make a positive difference in the world." ~ As reported on the USDA Forest Service web site.

Light refreshments, hot dogs, beverages and cake were served after the tree planting inside Brookdale Recreation Center through a generous donation by the SEIU Local 790.

The City of Oakland was named a Tree City USA by The National Arbor Day Foundation for the 20th year to commemorate the outstanding commitment demonstrated to maintaining and preserving our natural resources.

For more information on Arbor Day celebration at Brookdale Recreation Center, please contact the Tree Services Section at (510) 615-5850 or Brookdale at (510) 535-5632.