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By Canopy Team on May 1, 2025
Elizabeth Robles (she/her/they/them) joined the Canopy team in May 2025 as the Community Forester for San Mateo County. We asked Elizabeth a few questions to get to know them better.
Elizabeth: I grew up in San Jose with two sisters, two dogs, and two horses, which helped nurture my love for the outdoors early on. As a teen, I spent a couple summers helping my dad with his landscaping business and continued working with him and other companies focused on fine gardening and aesthetic pruning during college. Shortly before graduating, I started working with Fresh Approach, a local non-profit, where I helped install and maintain rain gardens in East Palo Alto until recently. I also worked as a greywater and rainwater systems specialist in San Jose after graduation. Alongside these roles focused on water conservation and sustainability, I’ve continued to work with a handful of landscaping companies doing fine gardening, tree pruning and landscape design.
Elizabeth: I’m excited to work with our communities to care for and increase the health of our urban forest.
Elizabeth: Trees have shaped my life in ways I didn’t fully understand as a child. I grew up climbing trees, napping in their branches, and watching wildlife make their homes among the leaves. Trees are the lungs of the Earth, and they have an immense impact on every being’s quality of life. Not only do they provide great mental and physical health benefits such as providing oxygen, reducing greenhouse gases, and reducing temperatures, they also provide essential resources for wildlife like habitat, food and shelter. Healthy trees are a key pillar of resilient ecosystems.
Elizabeth: Quercus douglasii, Blue Oak. My last name refers to an oak grove, so I have a natural affinity for oaks, and there’s something especially captivating about the Blue Oak’s graceful form and silvery-blue leaves. They’re truly majestic and impressive. Manzanitas come in as a close second.
Elizabeth: “Are you pondering what I’m pondering?” – The Brain, Pinky & The Brain
Elizabeth: Running, hiking, reading, drawing, video games, puzzles
Elizabeth: I’m honored to join this team of amazing people who are passionate about environmental justice, and I’m excited to contribute to Canopy’s impact!
Thanks, Elizabeth! Welcome to the Canopy team. 🌳
