San Diego Plants Trees to Honor Kate Sessions
Volunteers planted 14 trees at the Taylor Branch Library in Pacific Beach as part of the city's urban forestry push.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Botany
Live Poll
Should your city spend more on planting trees to cool neighborhoods?
The City of San Diego held a tree-planting event at the Taylor Branch Library in Pacific Beach, with more than 50 volunteers planting 14 trees of about six species. The event honored horticulturist and landscape architect Kate Sessions, who introduced hundreds of tree species to the region.
Why it matters
The planting supports the city's Climate Action Plan and its goal of adding 100,000 new trees by 2035. Nearly 8,000 trees have already been planted in San Diego over the last two years.
City figures show more than 50 volunteers planted 14 trees of about six species at the event, out of a citywide goal of 100,000 new trees by 2035. Nearly 8,000 trees have been planted in San Diego over the last two years, but the plan's interim milestones were not detailed.
The players
Kate Sessions
Kate Sessions was a San Diego horticulturist and landscape architect known for introducing hundreds of tree species, including the jacaranda, to the region.
SAV A TREE
SAV A TREE is a San Diego tree-planting organization that partnered with the city to host the event.
The details
The event was organized with SAV A TREE and funded by the Tree Canopy Fund, with city officials and other organizations joining volunteers at the Taylor Branch Library. It was held on November 6, 2026, to honor Kate Sessions' legacy and expand the city's urban forest.
Timeline
- November 6, 2026: Tree-planting event held at the Taylor Branch Library in Pacific Beach.
- Shortly after November 6, 2026: Kate Sessions Day celebration.
- 2035: Target date for planting 100,000 new trees in San Diego.
Big Picture
The event is an implementation step under San Diego's Climate Action Plan, extending the city's canopy goals through a 100,000-tree target by 2035. It also builds on the regional legacy of Kate Sessions, whose early plantings shaped the city's urban landscape.
Residents in Pacific Beach and across San Diego may see more street and park trees as the city works toward its planting goal. Public participation in planting events like this one is one way residents can help expand the urban canopy.
The takeaway
Planting trees is a practical, low-cost step residents can join, and sustained participation is what the city's 2035 canopy target depends on.
Further reading
For more on the region's plant life, explore Botany coverage on Wisevoter.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KSWB 5/69.
Live Poll
Should your city spend more on planting trees to cool neighborhoods?
