Sign installation-day inspection

On April 6, 2024, HB Trees Board Members Betty, Juana & Jean celebrate the arrival of an informative new Urban Forest fixture – a map displaying the region’s geographical features, from the mountain ranges (within view many days) and their elevations, to the coastline, with significant landmarks shown. The HB Tree Society commissioned the map to foster a deeper connection between visitors and their surroundings, enriching the overall enjoyment of this picturesque vista point.

What is the HB Urban Forest?  Located in the heart of Huntington Beach in southwest Huntington Central Park, the Urban Forest has not stopped growing since the first trees were planted in 2001. We like to think of it as an oasis “for-rest” from busy city life, visitors young and old breathe in the surrounding beauty, and thriving wildlife can fly, feed and scamper.

Urban Forest Goals:  To improve the Urban Forest for the community and its visitors to enjoy; partner with the City of Huntington Beach to enhance the beauty and safety of our parks; to educate the public about the importance of urban forests; and try to connect a young person to every tree we plant.

Have you been to the HB Urban Forest lately?  The existing canopy is continually expanding and changing with the seasons. Check out beautiful new boulders for resting and way-finding, plus stumps for jumps and climbing, along the now-developing Shipley to Shore Nature Trail. 

Existing trees include pine, sycamore and oak forests. Other varieties flourishing include Tipuana, Desert Willow, California Pepper Trees and more. Additionally, the forest is complemented with flowering California natives, intermingled with Mediterranean and Australian drought-resistant plants.

Then and now – In the past 21 years, hundreds of community volunteers have transformed this Huntington Beach Central Park (west) land from just two palms + weeds to more than 7,000 native plants & trees. The two photos at left depict some volunteers from seasons past. HB Tree Society President Jean Nagy & volunteer Terry Ehrhard (at right, celebrating the 2019/2020 holidays with other HBTS volunteers) planted many of the trees in what became the Urban Forest that we walk under today. The ever-changing Urban Forest is benefiting from the recent rains. Stop by to see what’s blooming this winter!