Tree Programs

“Dismal and Treeless”

is how Padre Junipero Serra, California missionary, described the future site of Santa Barbara when he saw it in April 1782. Drive just north or south of the city, and it’s easy to imagine the barren landscape he encountered.

Transforming that desolate terrain into today’s lush city took generations of dedicated individuals. Since 1965, Santa Barbara Beautiful has helped plant over 14,000 street trees, contributing to one of the most diverse urban forests in California, with more than 450 species.