by Andrew Alonzo | aalonzo@claremont-courier.com

Some 40 volunteers planted camphor saplings at Citrus and Baldy View elementary schools in Upland on Saturday.

“The two schools that we planted out here are located in disadvantaged communities,” said Sustainable ClaremontProgram Manager Carrie Baldwin. “That’s the focus of the tree planting: to get more shade and all the benefits the trees provide to the areas that need it the most.”

The trees will increase Upland’s tree canopy, improve air quality, capture carbon, support wildlife, and provide additional benefits, Baldwin said.

Volunteers from Sustainable Claremont, Southern California Edison, Claremont Scouting America Troop 407, Claremont Cub Scout Pack 408 and American Climate Corps were on hand.

The effort was made possible through a partnership with Upland Unified School District and Sustainable Claremont, and a $5,000 grant from California ReLeaf and Edison International, and marked the conclusion of California Arbor Week.

(L-R) Liam Hoffman, 13, and Elijah Hoffman, 9, pictured Saturday at Baldy View Elementary School in Upland. Courier photo/Andrew Alonzo

The Kallemeyn family, including (L-R) Matthew, Delia, Lucas, and David, plant a camphor tree at Upland’s Baldy View Elementary School on Saturday. Courier photo/Andrew Alonzo