Passionate arborists rally colleagues to cycle 90 miles around Yosemite in support of The Britton Fund's tree research
Oakhurst, CA (PRWEB) April 23, 2015 -- Doug Anderson and Rick Gessner know trees. They care for them daily in the Bay Area and have made careers out of arboriculture. But lately they’ve been carving their passion for trees into something bigger. Doug and Rick have encouraged 50 other arborists like themselves to ride 90 miles around Yosemite on April 27, each pledging to raise $600 for tree research and education. The group will be starting in Oakhurst, near the south entrance to Yosemite National Park, and will work its way to Bass Lake, Jesse Ross Cabin, and Mile High Vista before looping back to the starting point. All proceeds will go to The Britton Fund, a tree research and education foundation focusing on western states
“I see stressed trees every day,” says Gessner, a consulting arborist. “I know firsthand how important tree education is. The more research we can fund now, the healthier our urban forests will be tomorrow. I’m really doing this for my kids,” says the father of two.
Anderson, owner of Anderson’s Tree Care Specialists, Inc., said “I know a lot of folks in the arborist community who love to get out and ride their bikes through nature. I started making calls this year to all my cyclist friends and we rallied more riders than ever before... 50! I’m really encouraged by the passionate response we’ve received.” The majority of the riders have committed to 90 miles in a day, while others are riding a more modest 36 or 66 miles.
The ride includes a stop at Northfork Elementary School where trees will be planted and a ceremony will take place. “I love the educational part of this event. Not only is it about endurance, it’s about making an impact on the local community too,” says veteran rider Victor Gonzalez of Yorba Linda, CA. The riders will be accompanied by arborist entertainment/advocate group, TreeCircus, who will keep the energy going strong all day.
This event is in its 8th year, being held previously in Monterey, Tucson, Los Angeles, and San Diego. Participants hail from California, Colorado, Texas, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Washington and Toronto.
Learn more about the event and how you can support Doug and Rick’s fundraising efforts at http://www.thebrittonfund.org/the-britton-fund-ride-2015/.
Mary Pendleton, The Britton Fund, Inc., http://www.thebrittonfund.org, +1 (714) 458-8636, [email protected]
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