The Urban Forest-A Tranquil Escape from City Life
The Urban Forest, a 2 1/2-acre tranquil paradise, off Ellis Avenue between Goldenwest and Edwards, is one of Huntington Beach's best kept secrets. With wide walking trails and several benches among beautiful Coast Live Oak, Western Red Bud, Sycamore and Pine, it's a peaceful setting, a place to unwind, reflect and escape from the endless hustle and bustle of city life.
The vistas from the forest are breathtaking atop Edwards Hill--Central Park, horses at the Equestrian Center, Saddleback and other mountains. Just strolling through the amazing place may make you feel more relaxed and happy as migratory birds, Monarch butterflies and other wildlife enjoy the seasonal changes in vegetation. The pretty place, once just dirt and weeds, was literally put together by the Huntington Beach Tree Society and the City of Huntington Beach. Councilman Tom Harman encouraged its creation.
In 1998, the non-profit HB Tree Society was created after a meeting at City Councilman Ralph Bauer's house. Jean Nagy, a former Peace Corps volunteer and Realtor, was appointed President. She and her tree-loving friends, including Annie Anderson, Shirley Knopf, Juana Mueller, Leslie Gilson, Juliette Maxmueller, John Tillotson and Chris MacDonald, have helped plant more than 7,000 trees to beautify and provide oxygen for Surf City.
"The Urban Forest (which officially opened in 2001) is part of a plan to have a path designed so people can one-day walk from Shipley Nature Center (17851 Goldenwest St.), south up Edwards Hill though the forest, along Overlook Drive, Seapoint Drive and Weider Park down to the Pacific Ocean," Nagy said.
The Tree Society is creating a new old ranch-style wooden post and rail fence, surrounding a picnic area in the forest. You can help sponsor a 10-foot section and have your name written in concrete below a post for a $140 donation. For further information, call the Tree Society at 562-760-0733 or write them at HB Tree Society, 15272 Bolsa Chica Road, Huntington Beach, Ca 92649. There is no entrance fee to visit the Urban Forest, which is open 24/7.