The Richmond City Council on Tuesday honored Stewart Winchester, who recently departed from the city’s Urban Forest Advisory Committee (UFAC) after serving as a dedicated volunteer for nine years.
A horticulture instructor for over 40 years at Merritt College and Diablo Valley College,
Winchester began volunteering on the UFAC in 2016 and has had a big impact over his three terms. Winchester, who was not in attendance at Tuesday’s Council meeting, is credited with playing an instrumental role in tree planting, care, and education in ways that have improved air quality and provided cooling shade in the city, according to city officials.
Councilmember Doria Robinson, who spearheaded Tuesday’s recognition, noted that Richmond residents devote much of their time and efforts in serving on the city’s different commissions and committees.
“To serve for nine years and play a pivotal role in forming the city’s tree policy and advocating for native plants is a huge service to the city,” Robinson said.
The city further noted that Winchester’s “hands-on work with local nonprofit organizations, including training on best practices for planting, pruning, and species selection, has left a lasting impact on both community members and the health of Richmond’s trees.”
Janet Flint, the current chair of the UFAC, praised Winchester’s extensive contributions, noting, “I don’t know anyone else who’s given nine years of their free time on top of being a teacher at Merritt College and taking people on field trips to teach them about what plants want, how they live, and also volunteering for the City of Richmond to make plant selection so that we get the best trees from the nurseries. He’s just always supported the city in that way.”
Councilmember Soheila Bana also expressed her gratitude, stating, “Stew is a very active member of West Contra Costa Fire City Council, and he’s so humble. I didn’t know he was teaching at the college. I didn’t know he was doing all this for this city. He was always there, actively participating in discussions. Just wanted to say that I really appreciate his work and his service too.”
