Help trim trees at Gateway Ranch

Redlands Conservancy is seeking volunteers to help shape young oak trees into a grove at Gateway Ranch. The conservation group invites community members to transform the growing trees.

The volunteer opportunity stems from a 2020 project where more than 50 native trees, mostly oaks, were planted at Gateway Ranch. Now, four years later, these trees have grown to 10 to 15 feet tall and are ready for shaping.

Kathy Havert, Native Plant Garden Co-coordinator, explains that shaping the young trees involves removing low branches using heavy-duty loppers or small hand saws.

Volunteers will be provided with the necessary tools and water. They are asked to bring their own gloves and hats. Each volunteer or team will be responsible for shaping two oak trees, removing branches from the ground up to about three feet.

“This is an opportunity for dedicated Redlands Conservancy supporters to make a grand contribution to the forest we call ‘Forest of the Canyons,’ the Robert Dawes Memorial Grove,” said Sherli Leonard, executive director of the Redlands Conservancy. “The grove will have a beautiful impact on Gateway Ranch and on Live Oak Canyon.”

As a token of appreciation, the Conservancy will dedicate each shaped tree to its volunteer with a plaque at the base. There are 25 trees that need to be trimmed, said Leonard.

Those interested in volunteering for the "Trim Two Trees" project at Gateway Ranch can contact Sherli Leonard at 909-782-6208 or sherli@redlandsconservancy.org.