Oaktober
Rooted in Community:
1,000 Native Oaks for Thousand Oaks
Our city was named after our majestic oak canopy, and preserving that heritage begins with hands-on community care.
Tree Walker Inc. has launched a mission to distribute and plant 1,000 native oak trees across Thousand Oaks alongside local families, schools, and community partners.
Every sapling planted today builds a greener, cooler, and more resilient tomorrow.
Lance’s Passion: Why This Mission Matters
"When you look at a mature oak in the Conejo Valley, you are looking at hundreds of years of resilience, history, and life. But healthy urban forests don’t happen by accident, they are planted and protected by the people who live under them.
As an ISA Certified Urban Forest Professional and a father raising my children right here in this community, I wanted to create something that brings families together around nature. Handing a child a baby oak sapling gives them living roots in their hometown. You aren’t just planting a tree; you are growing memories, shade, and a lifelong bond with the earth."
— Lance Walker, ISA Certified Urban Forest Professional & Founder of Tree Walker Inc.
Why Native Oaks Matter
Wildfire Protection: Oaks help create resilient landscapes. Well-maintained native oaks have thick, fire-adapted bark and leafy, moisture-dense canopies that naturally resist ignition, capture radiant heat, and catch flying embers during dry wind events.
Higher Property Values: Adding beauty and natural value to neighborhoods. Mature native shade trees dramatically improve neighborhood aesthetics and curb appeal, saving on summer cooling bills and raising residential property values by 5% to 15%.
Haven for Birds, Pollinators, and Wildlife: Oaks are California's ultimate keystone species and a haven for birds, pollinators, and squirrels. A single native oak supports over 500 species of native caterpillars and butterflies, countless songbirds, owls, beneficial insects, and healthy native understory plants.
Great for Our Entire Community:Native oaks serve as living infrastructure. Their root systems anchor hillsides against erosion during winter storms, absorb and filter runoff, clean particulate pollution from the air, and fight the summer heat island effect across our valley.
Health & Wellness for Kids and Adults: Lowers stress and boosts family outdoor time. Spending time around mature tree canopies reduces stress hormones, soothes the nervous system, and improves focus for children. Nurturing a baby sapling gives kids a tangible sense of stewardship and pride as the tree grows alongside them.
Ideas for Where Your Oak Can Be Planted
Residential Backyards & Front Yards: Plant in an open spot at least 15 to 20 feet away from home foundations, driveways, sewer lines, and power lines.
School & Preschool Campuses:Ideal for hands-on learning gardens, nature play yards, and outdoor classrooms.
Churches & Faith Centers: Perfect for memorial plantings, shade canopies, and community gathering grounds.
HOA Common Areas & Greenbelts:Great for neighborhood borders, community walking paths, and native landscape restoration areas (with HOA approval).
Planting Guide & Frequently Asked Questions
How to Plant Your Sapling
Dig a Hole: Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball, but keep it the exact same depth as the pot.
Place Gently: Place the sapling gently, keeping the root flare level with the surrounding ground (never bury the trunk!).
Refill Soil: Refill using the native dirt from the hole and press down gently to remove air pockets.
Water & Mulch: Create a shallow soil watering well/berm around the base, and add a 2–3 inch layer of wood mulch, keeping it a few inches away from touching the trunk bark.
Sapling Care & Growth FAQ
What kind of light does my baby oak need?
Oaks thrive in full sun to light partial shade. For the first year of your Oaks life it is important to give it a Mother native plant. They need to be protected by 50% direct sunlight by a Mother plant until the leaves can harden to take direct sunlight. Pick a location that gets at least 6-8 hours of sunlight each day.
What type of soil is best?
Native soil! Do not add bagged potting soil, compost, or synthetic fertilizer to the planting hole. Native oaks establish strongest and healthiest when their root systems adapt directly to local Conejo Valley soil.
How often should I water my sapling?
Year 1: Water deeply once a week during dry and warm weather (about 2 to 3 gallons soaked slowly into the soil).
Years 2–3: Water deeply every 2 to 3 weeks from spring through early fall. If winter rains arrive, pause supplemental watering.
Year 4 & Beyond: Once established, California native oaks thrive almost exclusively on natural winter rainfall. Avoid heavy summer irrigation directly around the trunk base, which can cause root disease.
How do I protect my young tree from animals?
Protect with a wire cage, gopher basket, or tree shelter tube if needed to safeguard tender leaves and trunks from deer, rabbits, and gophers.
Register Your Tree on the 1,000 Oaks Community Map
Did you adopt an oak sapling at an event? Let us know where it is taking root so we can track our journey to 1,000 oaks!
Important Privacy Notice: Your family's privacy and home security are our top priorities. Private residential addresses will NOT be published or shown on our public tree mapping map. Residential plantings are displayed only as general neighborhood or zip code markers to celebrate our growing canopy safely.
Grow Something Beautiful Together
Horizon Hills Legacy Tree Sponsorship
Help the Horizon Hills school canopy flourish for generations to come. Sponsor a native tree or plant to be planted right here on our campus.
Each sponsored tree can be paired with an optional premium, weather-resistant engraved dedication plaque featuring your family’s name.
Your tax-deductible donation sponsorship is all-inclusive, covering the tree or plant itself, installation, essential care materials, and updated irrigation to ensure its long-term growth on our school grounds.
In the Press
The Acorn Newspapers: