Thank you for the opportunity to submit public comment regarding tree selection planned for the Willow Rd/US 101 interchange. I live close to this interchange and use it daily.
I am greatly concerned about both the climate crisis and the biodiversity crisis. Given the increasing pressures on our wildlife and birds from habitat loss and fragmentation, climate change and invasive species, it is more important than ever that we work to replace lost habitat by planting native plants and trees. Did you know that a baby bird consumes up to 96% caterpillars and those caterpillars must come from native host plants. (Check out Doug Tallamy’s research on this topic).
For that reason, I was thrilled to read that one of the tree species you will be planting are our native Coast Live Oaks. I was surprised and disappointed, however, that the other three species do not originate from California much less this continent.
I understand the desire to plant drought tolerant trees. Then look no further than our local forests which are full of tree species built to survive drought and provide habitat to local birds and wildlife. California Buckeye is a wonderful option, with glorious flowers in the spring. It appears that Mountain View has been planting this species at Shoreline to replace some of the more water hungry species lost to drought. There are also several other species of oaks to consider as well as many native pines, Incense Cedar and the glorious Madrone.
I urge the City of Menlo Park to consider all neighbors when making this tree selection, including those with wings and four feet, and choose more native trees for the Willow Rd/US 101 Interchange.
Sincerely,
Michelle Mackenzie
Menlo Park
