A personal message

Dear Friends,

I’m pleased to share with you Canopy’s 2022 Impact Report. This will be the last time I enjoy this honor; as I announced this fall, I plan to retire in early 2023.

As you read this report, I think you’ll understand why I feel confident in a bright future for Canopy and for our urban forests. Inside, you’ll see the amazing progress we’ve achieved together, from milestone advocacy victories to enhanced K-12 curriculum.

You’ll meet a few of our new team members who invigorate our programs and provide much-needed capacity for expanded tree planting and care, education, and community engagement. And you’ll get a sneak peek at the exciting plans in store for 2023 and beyond.

I hope you’ll also feel the warmth and care with which all of this work is being done. I am especially grateful to my colleagues on the Canopy staff and board for fostering a culture of inclusion, equity, and belonging throughout the organization.

Their thoughtfulness and creativity—along with the enduring support of our donors, volunteers, and partners—mean that Canopy’s mission is in the best possible hands.

It’s been an incredible honor to serve as Executive Director these past 18 years, learning and growing alongside such a vibrant community.

Thank you, from my heart, and please keep up the great work!

Catherine Martineau

Executive Director

Dear Canopy Community,

I am so proud of what we’ve accomplished together this year! As a Board Member and now Board Chair, it’s been a privilege to witness Canopy navigate this time of post-pandemic reflection and revisioning with such dedication.

2022 was another year of evolution and growth, and we’ve emerged with greater clarity of purpose and a deeper understanding of our mission and values.

My biggest take-away is that our work to plant, tend, and advocate for trees has never been more essential. Canopy’s programs sit at the nexus of environmental justice, nature education, and community resilience—the very heart of what our Earth, cities, and neighborhoods need in order to face the climate crisis and build a future where everyone can thrive.

In October of 2022, the Canopy team had the opportunity to attend the San Mateo County Climate Summit—huge shout-out to Thrive Alliance, Climate Resilient Communities, Nuestra Casa, and Rise South City for hosting this amazing event. To frame the summit, the organizers offered three principles of equitable climate adaptation: (1) preparing and protecting frontline communities, (2) prioritizing nature-based solutions, and (3) promoting community resilience.

With your partnership, this is exactly what we’re doing at Canopy, and what you’ll see reflected in this year’s impact report. I couldn’t be more grateful to work alongside each of you, and I can’t wait to see what we achieve together in the year ahead!

Onward together,

Laura Martinez

Board Chair