Planting Hope, Growing Community: Palma Park’s New Green Canopy

Article by Kerry Huang

How 20 young trees brought together local neighbors, city leaders, and Fo Guang members in a shared act of care for Phoenix.

On a bright morning at Palma Park, the simple sound of shovels breaking into the soil brought neighbors and friends together for a common purpose. On November 7, members of the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) Phoenix Chapter joined local leaders and city forestry staff to plant 20 new trees—a humble yet meaningful step toward providing more shade, improving air quality, and creating a greener future for Phoenix.

More than just a tree-planting initiative, the morning was a heartfelt community gathering. Organized by the BLIA Phoenix Chapter in collaboration with Phoenix City Councilwoman Debra Stark’s District 3 team and the Phoenix-Taipei Sister City Committee, the event brought together local residents and enthusiastic volunteers of all ages. Mr. Ti-Yu Hsueh, Deputy Division Director of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Phoenix, also joined the gathering to show his support for this meaningful initiative. Together, they transformed a sunny morning into a hands-on celebration of community connection and shared responsibility.

“There is a timeless saying: ‘The older generation plants trees so the next generation can rest in their shade,’” shared Venerable Yong Shan, Guiding Venerable of the BLIA Phoenix Chapter. “The saplings we put into the ground today at Palma Park are a gift. They brighten our park today, but more importantly, they offer shade, fresh air, and a healthier planet for our children and grandchildren.”

She explained that this effort reflects the core philosophy of “environmental protection and spiritual preservation,” a key teaching passed down by Fo Guang Shan’s founder, Venerable Master Hsing Yun. Caring for our physical environment, she noted, naturally encourages us to slow down, clear our minds, and cultivate gratitude. When we work together to nurture nature, we also nourish something equally important within ourselves.

“Planting a tree goes beyond digging a hole in the dirt,” added Ken Fang, President of the BLIA Phoenix Chapter. “It’s an act of faith, love, and quiet responsibility for what comes next. Each of these 20 saplings represents a shared promise to care for our neighborhood. We hope everyone comes back in the years ahead to watch these trees grow tall, rest under their branches, and remember what we created together. Today beautifully captured what BLIA calls ‘collective effort’—the magic that happens when city leaders, local groups, and everyday neighbors join hands.”

In his remarks, Deputy Division Director Hsueh noted that the 31st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC COP31) is scheduled to take place in Antalya, Türkiye, from November 8-20. He pointed out that the tree-planting event, held just two days before the conference's opening, carried special significance as a local expression of the global commitment to environmental sustainability.

Each tree planted represents a heartfelt blessing for the neighborhood. As participants wrapped up the morning with dirt on their hands and a deep sense of shared pride, they left knowing they had contributed to something that would benefit future generations. Moving forward, the BLIA Phoenix Chapter plans to continue nurturing these roots through ongoing environmental initiatives and community outreach—reminding us all that when we protect the Earth with our hands and preserve peace in our hearts, we plant hope for generations to come.