The Save Our Forest Committee of the Fallbrook Land Conservancy is dedicated to preserving the rural character and natural beauty of Fallbrook.
History:
In 1972, 22 trees on Live Oak Park Road were marked for destruction. The community rallied with financial support and 20 trees were saved. In 1992, the fateful red "X" appeared once again on 19 trees. The same group rallied and at that time named themselves "Save the Oaks." Tying a yellow ribbon on those old oak trees again brought community support and 18 trees were saved.
During that campaign, it became obvious that the goals of the Fallbrook Land Conservancy were so similar that the Save the Oaks group became part of the Fallbrook Land Conservancy. Then, with expanding goals in mind, there came the name "Save Our Forest."
Having taken part in the major planting of 450 trees at Los Jilgueros Preserve in 1991, group members moved to continue that concept. The loss of 18 giant oaks on Live Oak Park Rd. in the winter of 1992 and 1993, and a windfall of 2000 free oak trees spurred the group to seek sites and begin the task of reforesting the road and Live Oak Park itself. Sites were found, approved and 158 trees were planted. That was the beginning of major tree planting on Fallbrook land Conservancy preserves, roadways, public schools, and some private property. The group has been awarded 4 major grants enabling the planting of over 500 trees in Fallbrook and totaling over 2600 trees in the greater Fallbrook area.
A volunteer work force and stewardship program is active, and an Adopt-A-Tree or Bench program has provided a Maintenance Fund. These elements of community support have provided complete care for the trees planted through these grants.
Mission:
The mission of Save Our Forest is to improve, enhance and restore Fallbrook's environment through the re-establishment of native trees to:
Rebuild the perimeter of native woodlands allowing for a wild life corridor.
Improve the community forest to promote a pedestrian friendly atmosphere benefiting the economical well-being of Fallbrook.
Provide environmental education to the community.
Enhance the natural beauty and healthy environment of the community.
Goals:
Perform community environment needs assessments.
Enhance community through the planting and protection of trees.
Ensure education of the value of trees in the community.
Save Our Forest Activities:
Plan, plant and care for trees in Fallbrook.
Establish and direct a tree steward program for tree maintenance.
Provide major pruning and insect control of planted trees.
Establish and maintain a Junior Treescape Program.
Raise funds through grants and special community events.
Save Our Forest Accomplishments
Community Tree Planting
Dedicated Bench Installations
Dedicated Tree Plaques
Installation for Adopt-A-Tree Program
Gold Leaf Award from the Western Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture
Recognition by National Arbor Day Foundation
Produced "The Necklace of Leaves" educational video
Educational Activities
Community outreach seminars on tree planting and care.
Provide teacher and student classroom material.
Save Our Forest projects through Junior Treescape Programs, grades 1 through 12.
Save Our Forest Tree Trust
Establish, maintain and invest a trust fund to provide financial support for Save Our Forest activities.
Check out the latest Save Our Forest happenings: Fallbrook Land Conservancy's News Chronicle.
The regular meeting for Save Our Forest is on the fourth Monday of the month 7:00 p.m. at the Palomares House. Save Our Forest work parties meet on the third Wednesday 8:30 a.m. and the last Sunday 7:30 a.m. of the month. The groups work for 2 hours and meet at the Village Square, on the corner of Main St. and Alvarado St. Bring shovel, hand clippers, and loppers, if possible. Other supplies will be furnished.
People interested in the community work of maintaining downtown trees can call Jackie Heyneman at 728-5395
SOF invites community members to join their Adopt-A-Highway program. The group meets the second Saturday of each month to pick up trash on Old 395 from E. Mission to Hwy 76. Meet at the entrance to Pala Mesa Resort at Tecolate Dr. at 8:00 a.m.
FLC meetings and work parties