Dearest friends, neighbors, and tree-lovers near and far —
It is my honor to extend to you a cordial in-person (as well as virtual!) invitation to our second-annual Arboretum Day, here at Cypress Lawn Arboretum and Botanical Gardens on Nov. 12, 2021.
The first-ever Arboretum Day, held last year on Nov. 18, 2020, was indeed a meaningful celebration of life befitting the legacy of our Memorial Park, where trees have been cherished since our founding in 1892. On that day, we planted a memorial tree in honor of the many lives lost to the COVID-19 pandemic, a Monterey cypress seedling in the lee of the iconic granite archway that welcomes all visitors to the historic East Campus of Cypress Lawn Memorial Park.
Last year, however, the circumstances of the pandemic did not allow for any in-person ceremonies or activities. So, as we quite literally turn a new leaf on Arboretum Day 2021, this year’s holiday will truly mark the origin of what will hopefully grow to become a lasting tradition here in Colma for celebrating the kinship of trees and people living and growing together in our one-of-a-kind city. As a Tree City USA and the foremost place for memorial parks in all of California, the remarkable tree heritage of Colma is, without doubt, a tradition to honor and to grow forward, ever branching out in the years to come.
Whether in-person or virtually over Facebook Live, we sincerely hope you are able to join along with us as we plant more seedlings, learn about the many wonders of Cypress Lawn’s 130-year old living collection, and, perhaps more than anything, come together to enjoy life and celebrate the trees all around us!
The following events and listed schedule will showcase the diversity of our growing collection here at Cypress Lawn Arboretum in the burgeoning traditions of our second-annual Arboretum Day:
→ @ 11 A.M. : Ceremonial commencement and introductions by Arboretum Director Josh Gevertz; formal proclamation of Arboretum Day as a Colma city holiday by Mayor Diana Colvin; memorial tree planting of two Monterey cypress seedlings, in honor and celebration of the many lives lost to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
→ 11:30 AM to 12:30 P.M. : Walking “Tree Tour” led in person by your Arboretum Director along Cypress Avenue through the historic and original East Campus of Cypress Lawn (trolley access to be made available for those needing mobility assistance).
→ @ 1 P.M. : Culmination of “Tree Tour” with a celebratory toast for Arboretum Day at our champion cork oak tree (Quercus suber); catered refreshments and snacks for guests; Cypress Lawn Arboretum gear giveaways, and more.
IMPORTANT NOTE: While all are welcome to join us in person on Arboretum Day, please do RSVP to CLArboretum@cypresslawn.com and let us know how many guests will be attending this special celebration of trees here at Cypress Lawn! Be well, and we hope to see you then.
Your ever-humble Arboretum Director,
Josh Gevertz