Albert Lin, The Merit Times staff writer
November 14, 2023

On November 8th, members of Fo Guang Shan Hsi Fang Temple San Diego Buddhist Association and Buddha's Light International Association (BLIA) San Diego Chapter participated in the "Kate Sessions Day" tree-planting event organized by the City of San Diego and Tree San Diego. They planted 13 trees in the vicinity of Sherman Elementary School.

Kate Sessions was an American botanist closely associated with San Diego, California, and known as the "Mother of Balboa Park." In 1892, Sessions leased 30 acres of land in Balboa Park from the City of San Diego to use as growing fields. In return, she agreed to plant 100 trees a year in the mostly barren park, as well as 300 trees a year in other parts of San Diego. This arrangement left the park with an array of cypress, pine, oak, pepper trees and eucalyptus grown in her gardens from seeds imported from around the world; virtually all of the older trees still seen in the park were planted by her.

Representatives from the non-profit organization Tree San Diego explained the correct tree-planting methods to participants. Officials from the City Hall also reminded participants of safety precautions when using tools.

Venerable Miaozang led Fo Guang members to to participate in tree planting activities. photo／The Life News Agency

Members of the Senior Class of Hsi Fang Temple San Diego Buddhist Association, showing their vitality, actively participated in the tree-planting event and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to participate. Zhu Junyan, President of the 3rd subchapter of BLIA San Diego Chapter, stated that participating in tree-planting activities helps Fo Guang members learn the correct way to transplant trees and actively engage in caring for the Earth, contributing to creating a better environment for future generations.

Elektra Fike-Data, Executive Director of Tree San Diego, stated that Tree San Diego is dedicated to urban greening, with a focus on planting trees in the city center. The organization aims to plant its ten thousandth tree in San Diego by 2024. This achievement is credited to Kate Sessions, who planted suitable plant species for the city of San Diego.

On November 4th, the 2nd subchapter of BLIA San Diego Chapter and BLIA YAD - San Diego organized the "Outdoor Mindful Walking" event, a walk around the trails of the historic Los Penasquitos Ranch.
Venerable Miaozang, Superintendent of Hsi Fang Temple and the President of San Diego Buddhist 

Venerable Miaozang, Superintendent of Hsi Fang Temple and President of San Diego Buddhist Association, hoped that participants could experience the present moment, uplift their mindfulness, and comprehend the significance of "coexistence."

Venerable Miaozang hoped that participants could comprehend the significance of "coexistence." photo／The Life News Agency

Matt, the leader of BLIA YAD - San Diego, expressed that through the walking activity and the guidance from Venerable Miaozang, they realized that everything in the world is based on "coexistence." He emphasized the importance of caring for the Earth together and practicing the concept of "Coprosperity."