Circular economic model and tree life cycle

Central to AMPlifying the Urban Forests’ mission on March 12, 2022, is the demonstration of the circular economic model that supports each stage of a tree’s life cycle. Presented by a groundbreaking partnership between the California Urban Forests Council (CaUFC), West Coast Arborists (WCA), Taylor Guitars, Western Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture (WCISA), and the Britton Fund, AMPlifying the Urban Forest will highlight all stages of a tree’s life, from planting to growth to repurposing, or from seed to shade to song.

Beginning as a small seed, the trees planted on March 12 will grow and provide benefits to communities across California. During this stage of a tree’s life cycle, the trees will provide communities with much-needed shade from the sun as well as health benefits including cleaner air, cleaner water, and protection from severe weather conditions.

Aside from the many health benefits, our newly planted trees will provide in their first stage of life, the growing trees will also provide economic benefits to communities. Urban forests are valuable economic assets; by beautifying communities and improving health, well-sustained urban forests ultimately make communities more desirable. 

When a tree is nearing the end of its first stage of life, its value and purpose do not diminish. Through the partnership that created AMPlifying the Urban Forests, communities across California will be able to see first-hand the benefits of a tree in its final stage of life: the song. With the help of Taylor Guitars, AMPlifying the Urban Forests will show how wood from an urban forest can be transformed into a luxury guitar. 

Two thousand trees will be planted in communities across California on March 12, 2022, marking the beginning of a beautiful and beneficial first stage of life. Alongside the newly planted trees, instruments crafted from urban wood will bring this life cycle full circle and showcase trees from our urban forests in their second life as they produce a song for all to enjoy.  

For more information about volunteer opportunities check the list of participating cities here.

Funding for this project is provided by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection as part of the California Climate Investments Program.