In July 2008, CCE hosted Nasim and Jafar from Iran, two cyclists in the midst of a two year journey around the globe, planting trees and spreading a message of peace and environmental conservation.

With help from the City Forester, and City Parks and Rec personnel, we planted a native Coast Live Oak in the recently renewed Depot Park, near the Boardwalk in Santa Cruz. The tree was named "Heiwa", Japanese for "Peace", and was the 45th tree the two have planted thus far.

Follow Nasim and Jafar's travels at their website here.

Jafar, Vita, & Nasim

Bart Coddington

Nasim reading dedication

Nasim & Jafar with Santa Cruz Vice Mayor Cynthia Mathews