Nobel Prize Winner Wangari Maathai: April 1, 1940 - September 25, 2011

On the evening of Sunday, September 26, 2011, Wangari Maathai passed away after a long battle with cancer. She was 71 years old.  Canopy will always remember her visit to East Palo Alto and the impact of her life, message, and vision that continues with Canopy today.  

Executive Director Catherine Martineau said, "Wangari's visit to East Palo Alto will never be forgotten.  She will always inspire us."  

On Sunday, April 30, 2006, Canopy welcomed with Nobel Peace Prize Winner Wangari Maathai, founder of the Green Belt Movement. In her visit to the Bay Area, Wangari launched the East Palo Alto Tree Initiative at a ceremonial tree planting in East Palo Alto.  

Wangari Maathai said, “I am happy to join you in launching the campaign to plant trees in East Palo Alto," she stated. "I will keep writing back to find out how far you have gone.  I will come back in 20 years to see how you are doing. I want to know of your progress because, here on this beautiful Sunday afternoon, East Palo Alto has changed and become a truly green city.”  

"When we plant trees, we plant the seeds of peace and seeds of hope" ~ Wangari Maathai, Nobel Prize Laureate & Canopy Supporter

Following our event with Wangari, Canopy's goal was to plant 1,000 trees by 2010.  The project was completed in 2008 with the planting of 1,200 trees.  Our project was successful because of Wangari and her inspiring call to action. Patricia Foster, Former Mayor of East Palo Alto said when the project was completed "...our sincere appreciation of your support in the creation of The Wangari Maathai ceremonial tree planting...it has made a lasting impact on our community."

A ceremonial planting will be arranged with more information and a video available soon at www.Canopy.org.