Perhaps the real world embodiment of The Giving Tree, the tall and benevolent oak not only provides a shaded reprieve for the tired hiker, but is also unparalleled in its ability to grant food, water, shelter, and protection for wildlife. But like many wild things, our mighty oaks are threatened by a rapidly changing world.

“What’s that?” asked a curious fourth grade student. We were standing on the bridge over San Francisquito Creek near El Palo Alto Park, where a class from a nearby Palo Alto elementary school had gathered to learn about the history of the park and to plant native plants along the path.