An ASNA-Led, Long-Term Commitment to the Park’s Urban Forest
For more than a decade, the Alamo Square Neighborhood Association (ASNA) has led and funded a sustained reforestation program at Alamo Square Park.
The program focuses on reversing historic canopy loss, increasing species diversity, and establishing a healthier and more resilient urban forest for future generations.
2011: ASNA-Funded Horticultural Assessment
ASNA commissioned and funded a professional Hort Science Report to assess the condition of the park’s trees. The assessment documented severe canopy decline, with many trees planted in the early 1900s nearing the end of their natural lifespan.
Key findings included 166 trees across 21 species, an aging canopy in active decline, and a clear recommendation for a structured, long-term replanting program.
2010 to 2015: Accelerated Canopy Loss
During this period, approximately 60 trees were lost due to drought, wind, and storm damage. These losses reinforced ASNA’s conclusion that a coordinated reforestation strategy was essential.
2015 to 2016: ASNA Planning, Design, and Fundraising
ASNA led the development of the Alamo Square Forestation Plan, prepared pro bono by TS Studio for ASNA and the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department. The plan established planting priorities, long-term canopy goals, and a donor recognition framework.
ASNA also launched the Trees for Future Generations fundraising campaign, committing to match community donations up to $50,000. Together with neighborhood donors, more than $100,000 was raised to support replanting.
During this same period, more than 20 trees in dangerous or poor condition were removed, with removal costs covered by Recreation and Park.
2016: Phase I Planting
Phase I planting was approved by the Recreation and Park Commission and represented the first large-scale implementation of ASNA’s reforestation strategy.
A total of 147 new trees representing more than 20 species were planted, guided by a detailed tree map prepared for ASNA. Of these, 63 trees in 5- and 15-gallon sizes were planted by SFRPD, and 74 trees in 24-inch boxes were planted by a contractor with direct financial support from ASNA. Funding included $53,000 for trees coordinated with a Rec and Park irrigation project, $32,000 in pro bono planning and design services associated with ASNA’s forestation and donor recognition plans, and $10,000 for donor paver etching and installation.
2021 to 2023: Phase II Planting
ASNA continued its leadership role through Phase II, focusing on infill planting, replacement, and stewardship.
During this phase, 136 additional trees representing more than 20 species were planted across the park. In 2021, 58 trees were funded by SFRPD. From 2022 to 2023, 70 trees were funded directly by ASNA with a $7,732 contribution that did not require formal Recreation and Park Commission approval. In September 2023, ASNA funded a further 8 trees at a cost of $910.19. Updated tree maps and a tree loss map were prepared to guide ongoing replacement planting.
ASNA Leadership and Governance
The reforestation program is overseen entirely within ASNA. Board Member J. Lee Stickles was formally appointed ASNA Chair of Park Reforestation in September 2023 and provides professional leadership for the program as part of ASNA’s ongoing stewardship of Alamo Square Park.
Looking Ahead: Phase III
Phase III planting is anticipated in 2028 and will focus on targeted replacement plantings to address trees lost to storms and other environmental stressors, supporting the long-term resilience and continuity of the park’s urban forest. Planned work includes preparation of an updated tree inventory and map documenting existing conditions, as well as development of a proposed reforestation strategy to support a 2028 community planting effort.
The Alamo Square Park Reforestation Program reflects ASNA’s long-standing commitment to evidence-based planning, community fundraising, and careful stewardship. Through sustained leadership and partnership, the neighborhood has helped rebuild a diverse and durable tree canopy that will benefit Alamo Square Park and the community it serves for decades to come.