A Conversation with Dr. Jane Goodall: "We Owe Trees A Lot"
This year marks the 40th anniversary of Friends of the Urban Forest (FUF), one of the first DocuSign for Forests grantees and a DocuSign employee favorite for volunteering. FUF advocates for the urban canopy by working in San Francisco neighborhoods that have endured systemic neglect and disinvestment. By training local environmental stewards and mobilising volunteers, FUF works to make all of San Francisco healthier and more beautiful, as well as an asset in addressing the climate crisis.
In the UK, Trees for Cities is working at a national and international scale to improve lives by planting trees in urban areas. Beyond the environmental impact, trees also strengthen communities and people's standard of living. Trees for Cities have noticed the correlation between high levels of social deprivation and grey parts of towns and cities that are lacking trees and green spaces. They continue to focus on these areas, planting in parks and estates to create more green infrastructure and have a positive impact both socially and environmentally. By partnering with and volunteering for Trees for Cities, similarly to FUF, we are working to make the UK and Ireland better and healthier places to live.
In this month’s installment of our video series honoring her legacy, Dr. Jane Goodall emphasises the many positive impacts street trees have in our communities—controlling temperatures, stabilising soil, driving down healthcare costs, and so much more. And, she encourages organisations like FUF and DocuSign to continue to work together to protect and expand urban forests.
Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE, is the founder of the Jane Goodall Institute & UN Messenger of Peace.