Sponsored by the Greening Committee

Should eucalyptus and other “non native” trees be destroyed and herbicide applied for years to prevent regrowth? Do the eucalyptus trees pose an extreme fire hazard, or do they reduce the danger of fire?

Kehilla’s Greening Committee is sponsoring a tour from opposing vantage points of Site 29 in Claremont Canyon, where eucalyptus were cut about eight years ago and where redwood trees were then planted in the hope that native vegetation would take hold.

Jack Gesheidt, founder of the Tree Spirit Project, will introduce Site 29 at 10 a.m., followed by Bob Strayer of the Claremont Canyon Conservancy at 10:30 a.m. Each tour leader will give a 20 minute presentation, and then to ask each other questions for 10 minutes. After these presentations, all present will be encouraged to ask questions. (Questions should be brief and focused.)

Come decide for yourself whether destruction of 200,000-plus eucalyptus trees will make our hills safer or more fire prone, and whether these trees should be considered invasive undesirables or a vital and native part of our forests.

We’ll meet at Site 29 on the right on Claremont Avenue, which is marked by a signpost on the right about 1.5 miles uphill from the Claremont Hotel. If you need a ride or have questions, please contact Bill Lazarus, wjlazarus@gmail.com, tel. 510-250-2524.  Pre-registration is not required, but parking is limited, so arrive early. (Please bring that number with you just in case car pooling becomes necessary at the site.)