Discover the Urban Forest
Every season is exquisite in the Urban Forest!
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! |
The public is invited to meander through mulched walking trails to enjoy this beautiful area. Leashed dogs are welcome.
The forest is kept in pristine condition by weekly volunteers who plant, weed, perform tree care and more. Volunteers work on Thursday and Saturday mornings. Student volunteers are also encouraged to participate. We ask visitors to take all trash with them out of the Urban Forest so that it remains unspoiled.
The Urban Forest is found on the southwest side of Huntington Beach Central Park. Enter off Ellis Avenue, between Goldenwest and Edwards streets. As part of Huntington Beach Central Park, the UF is free and open to the public from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Find out more about Urban Forest life by clicking here.
