TreeLodi
Est. 2005 · Lodi, California
Founded on a Single Voice
“TreeLodi began with Joyce Harmon — a Canadian-born McGill University graduate and paralegal RN at Lodi Memorial Hospital. In 2003, Harmon became a familiar presence at Lodi City Council meetings, earning the nickname “the Mistletoe Lady” for her persistent advocacy about mistletoe infestations damaging the city’s trees.
To amplify her efforts, Harmon enlisted the support of local horticulturists and like-minded residents, officially founding Tree Lodi, Inc. as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2005. From the start, the organization built a strong partnership with the City of Lodi through Steve Dutra, then Superintendent of Parks, who submitted Lodi’s first Tree City USA application and continues to champion the urban forest as current TreeLodi President.
In May 2024, members past and present honored Harmon’s centennial by planting the Joyce Harmon Memorial Grove in Henry Glaves Park — a living testament to the woman whose solitary voice grew into a community movement. Joyce Harmon passed away on November 18, 2024, leaving behind an enduring legacy in every tree that lines Lodi’s streets and parks.
Programs
Community Trees
Expanding Lodi’s urban canopy through strategic neighborhood plantings.
TreeLodi’s most ambitious project was the Ed DeBenedetti Park Tree Laboratory — 213 trees of 26 different species, including California natives and climate-adapted varieties selected for the Central Valley’s warming climate. This outdoor laboratory, planned in 2010–2011 and spearheaded by then-President Gordon Schmierer with tree selection by Steve Dutra, continues to serve as a living resource for the community.
Memorial Trees
Honor loved ones with a living tribute in Lodi’s city parks.
Since 2017, TreeLodi has managed the City of Lodi’s Memorial Tree Program. TreeLodi works with families to select the right species and location, then waters and maintains each tree until it’s fully established. TreeLodi is launching an Adopt-A-Tree program where families, businesses and organzations can adopt an existing Community Tree of behalf of their loved one or organization.
Shade Trees
Free shade trees for residents through a utility partnership.
The Shade Tree Program is a collaboration between TreeLodi, the City of Lodi, and Lodi Electric Utility, providing free shade trees to residents to reduce energy costs and expand the urban canopy. Since its launch, the program has distributed over 3,200 trees — approximately 600 per year — making it one of the most successful community forestry initiatives in the region.
Awards
Tree City USA
23 Consecutive YearsAwarded by the Arbor Day Foundation, Lodi meets all four annual standards: a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, a community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita, and an Arbor Day observance program.
Community & Volunteers
TreeLodi’s work is powered by dedicated members and volunteer partners from across the region.
Members
Community members support TreeLodi through annual membership, event participation, and advocacy. From Master Gardeners and certified arborists to retirees and young professionals, our members share a common dedication to Lodi’s urban canopy.