Did you know that SMCF has a board of directors? The first SMCF board was installed in November 1999; each member has agreed to serve a two-year term. With little fanfare, these community-minded volunteers have agreed to share leadership responsibilities for our fledgling group. Members and specific areas of responsibility are as follows:

• Heidi Petersen, special DF projects/repairs
• Cheri Roe, DF volunteer care coordinator
• Simone Smith, landscape advisor
• Karen Starke, Arbor Day coordinator
• George Sullivan, local government liaison
• Beverly Gingg, general coordinator

    Board meetings are held quarterly; the last one was on April 17. Sharing leadership allows us to accomplish so much more and puts us in a better position to secure grant funding. The California Community Forests Foundation is now acting as fiscal agent (nonprofit sponsor) for a $4900.00 grant from the California ReLeaf 2000 Capacity-Building Grant Program and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Projects supported by this grant include the Arbor Day program, “field trips to the forest,” the 2nd ed. of the walking tour/tree selection guide, “Treechie,” and a tree hazards workshop (coming next fall).

• Maintain, enhance and encourage use of the Demonstration Forest.
• Celebrate Arbor Day! Since 1997, we have directed and supported school Arbor Day activities.
• Provide guided nature walks for students participating in “field trips to the forest.”
• Help link homeowners with tree selection, planting and care resources. A second edition of "The Trees in Santa Margarita's Forest ~ A Walking Tour and Local Selection Guide" is coming.
• Many other projects designed to promote a healthy and beautiful town landscape.