Blighted vacant lot transformed into tree nursery and education center in San Francisco

California Construction News staff writer

A new tree nursery and education center have transformed a previously blighted vacant lot near a busy San Francisco intersection.

The $3.5 million revitalization project was designed in partnership with Caltrans, the San Francisco Department of Public Works and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE).

“Back when I was Mayor of San Francisco, this particular state-owned site was always a source of frustration – we could never seem to keep it clean and we couldn’t get the state to engage,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “This once blighted area that serves as a vital gateway to San Francisco has been transformed.”

Located at the intersection of Interstate 80 and 5th Street in San Francisco, this active tree nursery will offer opportunities to learn about the benefits of trees for people and the environment.

“The opening of our first city-run street tree nursery is important for so many reasons,” said San Francisco Mayor London N. Breed. “First, we’re nurturing home-grown trees instead of outsourcing them from so many miles away. This means we’re emitting less carbon in the process and stepping closer towards our climate goals. Second, we’re making sure we can better prioritize new trees in neighborhoods that have historically been left out from these investments so that all San Franciscans can have access to cleaner air, more green spaces, and a healthier environment.”

To find out how to volunteer with Clean California, please visit: CleanCA.com.