It was this that sparked my interest in eucalyptus. Apart from its leaves, I also admired the tree's trunk, particularly how the silvery-white bark shreds to reveal colors beneath.

A Portuguese environmental group called Quercus — the scientific name for the oak tree — wants to dial back the spread of eucalyptus trees and encourage more growth of the native oak.

Staffers hope the restoration efforts at Elkhorn Slough will help quell opposition to the removal of the invasive Australian trees that to some have become a state icon.

Removing invasive eucalyptus trees from Anthony Chabot Regional Park could help mitigate wildfire risk where wildland-urban ignitions are unavoidable.