Salem Branch Tree Planting Project

A collaboration with the City of Salem Parks and Recreation Department, supporting the City of Salem Climate Action Plan.

Make tax-deductible donations (checks only) to:
City of Salem Parks Operations – Attn: Jennifer Kellar
1460 20th St. SE #14
Salem, OR 97302
Reference/Memo Line: “Project # 589921″

About the Project

On June 6, 2022, the AAUW Board approved a plan to plant trees at Stephens-Yoshikai Park in NE Salem. The branch chose to collaborate withe the City of Salem City Council in support of the City of Salem Climate Action Plan by writing letters of support and planting trees.

It is within our mission to help sustain a learning environment that clean and healthy environment. This park was particularly attractive to our members because it sits between two schools and a neighborhood. Stephens-Yoskikai Park was also highly recommended by the City Parks & Recreation Dept because the first trees could be planted close to an adjacent, small Wildlife Corridor where other trees, including a native White Oak are mature and healthy. New trees planted next to mature trees have a greater chance of surviving than if planted in a totally treeless area. For every 5 trees planted, the City will plant another five. Our goal was to plant 50 native trees and, eventually, native plants.

The Board approved $500 for seed money from the Bernadine Taplin & Charlotte Holmes Trusts bequeathed to the branch. All other donations were made by Branch members and others in the community who were so inspired. The Parks and Recreation Department set up a tax-deductible fund solely for AAUW Tree Planting Project for donations. As of April 2024, AAUW Salem Branch members have planted nearly 50 trees and a plaque dedicating the Stephens-Yoshikai Park Grove and honoring participants and donors.

For 2025, the branch and the City of Salem Parks hope to add native plants and a park bench to the park.