Mystery tree planter strikes again

BILL SPARKES/Acorn Newspapers SURPRISE—Mike Enge, senior grounds maintenance supervisor for the Rancho Simi Recreation and Parks District, examines an oak tree that a person has planted without permission near Oak Park High School. The mystery tree planter remains at large. We all known about Johnny Apple Seed, but he’s just a tall tale told to us in elementary school, right?

Yet, someone has become Oak Park’s own Johnny Apple Seed by planting unauthorized oak trees in some of the community’s open space areas.

According to Mike Enge, senior grounds maintenance supervisor with the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District, the “unknown mystery tree planter” began planting several trees in January 2004 near Medea Creek Lane and North Oak Hills in Oak Park.

Last April, park officials discovered the trees in an open space area across the street from Oak Park High School.

Additional trees were discovered near the high school earlier this summer.

About 20 oak trees of different varieties, such as coast live oak, valley oak, interior live oak and holly oak, were planted, Enge said, adding the holly oaks are a particular concern because they are not native California trees.

Enge believes the 15-gallon trees were purchased, unlike similar tree-planting incidents of the past in which individuals dug up trees from their backyards and planted them in the community. Although their intentions may be good, the mysterious tree planters worry Enge.

“Their heart’s in the right place, but we have no idea what their qualifications are and what quality of care they’re giving (the trees),” he said.

When trees are planted on public property, the planting must follow strict guidelines and proper maintenance to ensure the tree’s survival, Enge said.

“We’re always eager for members of the community to be involved...through volunteerism,” he said, adding that there are many programs available for volunteers to receive the proper training on tree planting and maintenance.

Officials say they don’t know who’s planting the Oak Park trees, but they hope somebody will come forward.

“This is not an attempt to discipline,” said Enge. “We just need to know where the plants are coming from.”