Memorial Grove
the Program
Tree Davis’s Memorial Tree Grove was constructed in 2001 when the University Retirement Community (URC) was built at 1515 Shasta Drive. The 1.4-acre site contains about 75 Memorial trees and a welded steel sculpture containing small plaques for each person/tree, located in the center of the site. Between 2020 and 2024 seven “mini-groves” within the larger Memorial Grove were converted from turf and over-grown shrubs into Climate-Ready Landscapes. These Climate-Ready Landscapes consist of ground covers, understory shrubs and overstory trees. Each layer of plants has native plant species that are heat and drought tolerant, pest resistant, and attractive for wildlife. Together, these layers form habitat for all forms of life, including humans.
Accomplishments
74
Commemorative Trees
7
Mini-Groves
715
Understory Plants
Mini-Groves
Wolk Grove
During spring 2020 shrubs were cleared and mulch applied to this area on the north side of the Memorial Grove near the URC. In fall 2020 our first Climate-Ready Landscape was planted with over 100 native and drought tolerant understory plants for pollinator habitat. Three climate-ready memorial trees were planted. During spring 2021 a tree planting and virtual dedication event was held to recognize former Mayor and State Senator Lois Wolk’s many contributions to urban forestry in Davis and California. A commemorative tree was planted by three generations of the Wolk family and a plaque was dedicated in her honor.
Generations Grove
Located on the southeast side of the Memorial Grove near Shasta Drive, the Generation’s Grove was dedicated to honor the legacy of the Heiberg, Haftel, and Franco family in December 2021. Tree Davis staff and 15 volunteers planted over 300 native understory plants and 6 Memorial trees to create a rich and diverse habitat for pollinators. The tree species included drought tolerant species such as Desert Willow, Texas Red Oak, and Valley Oak. Plants were hand-watered by staff and volunteers throughout the summer and their growth has exceeded expectations
Dogs and Philosophers Grove
Over 30 volunteers helped to plant 390 understory plants in this large mini-grove in November of 2022. Mulch was applied and the plants were watered in by volunteers. A large rainfall several days later was much appreciated. Lori Raineri made her vision a reality and has led several memorial events in this grove in remembrance of pets that have been loved and lost.
Elizabeth's Grove
Tree Davis worked with 40 volunteers to plant over 238 understory plants in the Elizabeth’s Grove in February of 2023. Several musicians serenaded family and friends who shared fond memories of Elizabeth during the dedication ceremony. Six Memorial trees were planted in the grove. Heavy rains and cool temperatures into late spring gave the plants a good head start.
Cervinka and Livers Groves
In cooperation with the City of Davis Recreation and Parks Department we converted several panels of irrigated turf into Climate-Ready Landscapes as demonstration projects. We conducted outreach with residents in fall 2022 to obtain feedback on the proposed turf conversions. Our discussions with residents and on-site observations found that these turf areas were seldom used for picnics or play. We shared our results with the Recreation and Park Commission (Oct. 19, 2022) and city officials. Climate-Ready Landscape designs for these groves were approved by the City of Davis and city staff removed turf in March, 2023. Tree Davis staff and volunteers covered the turf with a thick layer of mulch provided by the City. The Livers Grove was dedicated to the memory of Sue Livers’ late husband Rick. Jacques Franco and friends dedicated the Cervinka Grove in memory of their mentor Dr. Vashek Cervinka who planted thousands of trees to heal the environment. In October of 2023 Tree Davis staff and 30 volunteers participated in the planting of 227 understory plants and six Memorial trees.
URC Grove
The URC grove was installed as the last of the groves converted from turf. In 2024 the last mini-grove was installed with the help of 20 volunteers. The grove was dedicated in honor of the residents of the nearby University Retirement Community (URC). Over 200 plants were installed in this grove.
