Most of you probably already know about our wonderful local non-profit group, CityTrees — a volunteer-based organization that has done incredible work in our community enhancing our urban forest.

I’m writing to let you know that CityTrees is launching its end-of-the-year donation campaign to buy trees, tools, and supplies for another big year of building community and greening Redwood City in 2011.

2010 marked their 10th anniversary, and in that decade CityTrees has partnered with Redwood City to plant nearly 2,500 trees, and prune another 400 trees. Over 3,000 supporters and volunteers aided in this effort. This small organization has really made some remarkable achievements — just in 2010, for example, those accomplishments include:

• Tree planting events where 116 trees were planted
• Pruning workshops
• Pruning and tree maintenance events
• Raising awareness and support of our urban forest at special events
• Offered a “Tree Tip of the Month” email to share tree-related information
• Obtained a funding grant and six business sponsorships

I want to encourage you to help keep CityTrees healthy and active in our community by considering a year-end donation of any amount. By the way, 80% of donations go directly to CityTrees’ programs, to help make a lasting difference in our community.