“Ambassadors” to the pilot programs will serve as coordinators, facilitators, and reporters, providing support in both strategic planning and project/program execution. Specifically, the Urban Waters Pilot Ambassadors will:

• serve as coordinators and ensure continuity of the pilot activities;
• connect federal resources and local needs/opportunities in collaboration with the local Urban Waters Partnership
• convene meetings and conference calls;
• report on the progress, value and outcomes of the Partnership, including local success stories, barriers and best practices. Reports may take various forms including annual reporting, web updates, participation on conference calls, weekly reports to the National Coordinator, etc.

The Ambassador will work closely with the pilot location leads to

• support the success of the pilots;
• maintain momentum for efforts at pilot locations; and
• demonstrate federal commitment to the success of pilot locations.

EPA will be the lead federal agency to place the Los Angeles Ambassador, who will fill a federal temporary full time position via the Intergovernmental Personnel Act Program (IPA). This position is available as a lateral assignment at the GS-12 or the GS-13 level. This temporary assignment will be for one year with the possibility of extending for a second year. The Council for Watershed Health will host the Ambassador. The reporting structure for the selected Ambassador will include the Council for Watershed Health, EPA, and the Ambassador’s permanent home organization.

The Los Angeles Ambassador will work with over 30 Partner organizations towards watershed revitalization. Responsibilities will include:

• implement, refine and update the first annual Partnership work plan,
• address project shortfalls by identifying technical expertise, opportunities for funding, and connections across partner organizations,
• coordinate meetings,
• identify opportunities to improve the Partnership by engaging with participating organizations and recruiting new partners,
• develop a Partnership communications plan.

Candidates from the Urban Waters Federal Partnership member agencies and departments will be considered. Local knowledge of the Los Angeles River Watershed is a plus. EPA will pay salary for this position. EPA cannot pay for relocation expenses. During the selection process, other options for covering these expenses will be explored in discussion with the Ambassador’s home agency.

To Learn More and To Apply:

John Kemmerer, Associate Director, Water Division, U.S. EPA, in Los Angeles is available to answer questions and provide more detail on the scope of responsibilities for this position. Federal Partnership members with candidate recommendations and/or candidates should notify Mr. Kemmerer by January 23, 2012 by phone at 213-244-1832 or Kemmerer.John@epa.gov.

The workshop is open to anyone who is interested in the planting and maintenance of trees in urban landscapes.  The workshop will be taught in an easy to follow format by local and state experts in tree care.   Members of the public, whether novices or those who have some experience at tree care will benefit, as well as more experienced tree care professionals looking for a refresher.  Six community service credits are available for participating students and five continuing education units are available for professionals.  Pruning public shade trees will be emphasized, with additional fruit tree pruning discussion.

Workshop leaders Dan Condon, Bill Spiewak, Norm Beard, George Jimenez and Ken Knight will demonstrate techniques that professionals use to care for young public trees.  Participants will get actual experience in pruning young trees on the San Marcos High School campus, with all work being done from the ground and no tree climbing involved.  A short open book exam and field practice at the end will demonstrate proficiency and ability to assist in future public young tree pruning projects in your area. There will be ample opportunities to discuss your specific questions with the speakers.

For more information and to download the registration form, please visit Goleta Valley Beautiful at www.goletavalleybeautiful.org

Entries must be received by February 1, 2012 to be considered. To get the poster contest packet that includes lesson plans and all of the poster contest rules, click here.

A donation to California ReLeaf is a gift to the citizen’s of California for generations to come.  Consider supporting us this holiday season and invest in California!  As a special bonus, all donations of $100 or more between now and December 31, 2011 will receive a copy of A Californian’s Guide to the Trees Among Us as a special gift.

Click here to donate and give the gift of trees.

“EPA is working to support communities in their efforts to protect health and the environment, and create more sustainable housing and transportation choices that are the foundation for a strong economy,” said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. “EPA experts will work side by side with urban, suburban, and rural communities, and help them develop the necessary tools for fostering healthier environments for families and children, and attractive places for growing businesses.”

EPA’s commitment of more than $1.5 million will come through two separate programs – the Smart Growth Implementation Assistance program (SGIA) and the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities program. Both programs will be accepting letters from interested communities from Sept. 28 to Oct. 28, 2011.

The SGIA program, which EPA has offered since 2005, employs contractor assistance to focus on complex and cutting-edge issues in sustainable development. The assistance allows communities to explore innovative ideas to overcome barriers that have prevented them from getting the kind of development they want. Potential topics include helping communities figure out how to develop in ways that make them more resilient to natural hazards, increase economic growth, and use locally generated energy. The Agency anticipates selecting three to four communities for assistance with the goal of creating models that can help other communities.

The Building Blocks program provides targeted technical assistance to communities that face common development problems. It employs a variety of tools such as improving pedestrian access and safety, zoning code reviews, and housing and transportation evaluations. Assistance will be provided in two ways in the coming year. First, EPA will select up to 50 communities and provide direct assistance by EPA staff and private sector experts. Second, EPA has awarded cooperative agreements to four non-government organizations with sustainable community expertise to deliver technical assistance. The organizations include the Cascade Land Conservancy, Global Green USA, Project for Public Spaces, and Smart Growth America.

The Building Blocks and the SGIA programs assist in the work of the Partnership for Sustainable Communities, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the U.S. Department of Transportation. These agencies share a common goal of coordinating federal investments in infrastructure, facilities, and services to get better results for communities and use taxpayer money more efficiently.

More information on the Partnership for Sustainable Communities: http://www.sustainablecommunities.gov

More information on the Building Blocks program and the request for letters of interest: http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/buildingblocks.htm

More information on the SGIA program and the request for letters of interest: http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/sgia.htm

The Conference

Join municipal arborists, urban forest managers, landscape design professionals, planners, and non-profits from across California for this unique educational and networking experience in Palo Alto. With a focus on utilizing urban forestry to revitalize California’s communities, participants will leave the conference with tools to improve the areas where the majority of Californian’s live, work and play. We’ll discuss: community revitalization, nontraditional funding sources, best management practices, species selection, tree pruning and much more!

The Friday afternoon sessions will include two separate tracks – one specifically for non-profits and another geared towards municipalities.

Agenda

Accommodations

Participants are encouraged to stay at our conference location, the Crowne Plaza Cabana Hotel Palo Alto. Participants can receive a special conference rate of $139 per night by booking their stay here and entering the Group Code: A4M.

Registration fees also include breakfast on both mornings of the conference, lunch on Friday and a reception on both nights of the conference.

Travel

Palo Alto can easily be reached by car, plane or train. For driving directions to the Crowne Plaza Cabana Hotel, click here.

For those planning to fly, the closest airport is Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC). You can also fly into San Francisco International Airport (SFO) or Oakland International Airport (OAK).

If you’d like to take the train, Amtrak has several routes that go through Palo Alto.

Continuing Education Units

Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will be offered through the International Society of Aboriculture. Conference participants can receive up to nine CEUs for participating in conference sessions. Participants must fill out the appropriate paperwork after conference sessions to receive credit.

Cancellations

Participants can receive a full refund until two weeks prior to the event. After that point, they can receive a partial refund. There are no refunds for the Pruning Workshop unless your spot is filled.

Photo courtesy of Canopy

PALO ALTO – On June 14, 2011, the Palo Alto Unified School District (PAUSD) adopted one of the very first School District Board of Education Policies on Trees in California. The Tree Policy was developed by members from the District’s Sustainable Schools Committee, District Staff, and Canopy, a local urban forestry nonprofit based in Palo Alto.

The President of the Board of Education, Melissa Baten Caswell says: “We value the trees on our school campuses as an important part of creating a healthy and sustainable environment for students, faculty, staff, and the community. Our thanks go out to everyone who worked to make this possible for our School District.” Bob Golton, PAUSD Co-CBO added: “This continues the wonderful spirit of cooperation in the interest of trees in our District between District staff, community members and Canopy.”

With 17 campuses covering more than 228 acres throughout Palo Alto, the District is home to hundreds of young and mature trees. The District today manages tree assessment and maintenance at twelve Elementary Schools (K-6), three Middle Schools (6-8), and two High Schools (9-12) attended by over 11,000 students. Some of these trees, particularly the native oaks, have grown alongside the schools for more than 100 years.

The District is aware of the many benefits it receives from the trees on school grounds. The Tree Policy was adopted because it seeks to provide safe, accessible, healthy and welcoming school campuses environments for current and future students. Main components of the Policy include:

• Protecting and preserving mature and heritage trees

• Utilizing trees to shade and protect children in play areas, and improve energy efficiency

• Selecting climate-appropriate, drought-tolerant, non-invasive, and native trees, whenever possible

• Incorporating tree care best practices to grow and sustain healthier trees

• Considering of new and existing trees in planning new construction, redevelopment, Bond Measure projects, and Master Planning

• Furthering student learning with curriculum-based planting and tree activities

This Tree Policy conforms to current District practices spelled out in the District’s Tree Protection Plan. The District hired a Consulting Arborist and Horticulturist to develop the plan and ensure the plan is followed and enforced. Canopy Executive Director Catherine Martineau applauded the District, and said: “Thank you for your leadership on behalf of the trees at the many schools in Palo Alto. This District is fortunate to benefit from a mature canopy, and this policy expands arboriculture best practices and tree protection measures to the largest landowner in Palo Alto not subjected to the City’s tree ordinance. By adopting this School District policy, the Palo Alto community continues to lead the way in urban forestry.”

About PAUSD

PAUSD serves approximately 11,000 students who live in most, but not all, of the City of Palo Alto, certain areas of Los Altos Hills, and Portola Valley, as well as the Stanford University campus. PAUSD is well known for its rich tradition of educational excellence and is listed among the top school districts in the state of California.

About Canopy

Canopy plants, protects, and grows local urban forests. Because trees are a critical element of a livable, sustainable urban environment, Canopy’s mission is to educate, inspire, and engage residents, businesses, and government agencies to protect and enhance our local urban forests. Canopy’s Healthy Trees, Healthy Kids! program is an initiative to plant 1,000 trees on local school campuses by 2015. Canopy is a member of the California ReLeaf Network.

“The Energy Conservation Through Trees Act would help reduce energy costs for consumers and improve air quality for all,” said Congresswoman Matsui.  “In my hometown of Sacramento, I have seen firsthand how successful shade tree programs can be.  As we continue to present the twin challenges of high energy costs and the effects of climate change, it is essential that we put in place innovative policies and forward-thinking programs today that prepare ourselves for tomorrow.  Expanding this local initiative to the national level can help ensure that we are working towards a cleaner, healthier future, and will be one piece of the puzzle in our fight to reduce our energy use and protect our planet.”

Patterned after the successful model established by the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD), the Energy Conservation Through Trees Act seeks to save Americans significant amounts of money on their utility bills and reduce outside temperatures in urban areas because shade trees help to shield homes from sun in the summer.  The program conducted by SMUD has been proven to lower energy bills, make local power utilities more cost-effective, and reduce air pollution.  The bill contains a requirement that all federal funds provided as part of a grant program be matched at least one-to-one with non-federal dollars.

Planting shade trees around homes in a strategic manner is a proven way to lower energy demand in residential areas.  According to research conducted by the Department of Energy, three shade trees strategically planted around a house can reduce home air-conditioning bills by about 30 percent in some cities, and a nationwide shade program could reduce air-conditioning use by at least 10 percent.  Shade trees also help to:

• Improve public health and air quality by absorbing particulate matter;
• Store carbon dioxide to help slow global warming;
• Reduce the risk of flooding in urban areas by absorbing stormwater runoff;
• Improve private property values and increase residential aesthetics; and
• Preserve public infrastructure, such as streets and sidewalks.

“It is a simple plan really – to plant trees and create more shade for your home – and in turn lowering the energy use one needs to cool their home,” Congresswoman Matsui added.  “But even small changes can yield tremendous results when it comes to energy efficiency and lowering consumers energy bills.”

“SMUD has supported the development of a sustainable urban forest through our program with positive results,” said SMUD Board President Renee Taylor.  “We are honored that our Shade Tree program was used as the template for the enhancement of urban forests nationwide.”

Larry Greene, Executive Director of the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District (AQMD) said, “The Sacramento AQMD is very supportive of this bill since trees have well known benefits for the environment generally and air quality specifically.  We have long worked closely with our advocacy agencies to add more trees to our region.”

“Planting shade trees serves as an effective approach to lowering home energy consumption, and we encourage members of Congress to follow Representative Matsui’s leadership,” said Nancy Somerville, Executive Vice President and CEO of the American Society of Landscape Architects. “Beyond lowering utility bills, trees can help increase property values, help prevent flooding by absorbing stormwater, and reduce the urban heat island effect.”

Peter King, Executive Director of the American Public Works Association, lent the Association’s support to the bill, saying, “APWA applauds Congresswoman Matsui for introducing this innovative legislation that will provide numerous air and water quality benefits that contribute the important quality of life for all members of a community and assist public works departments in improving air quality, reducing heat island affects and prevent stormwater runoff.”

“Alliance for Community Trees resoundingly supports this legislation and Congresswoman Matsui’s vision and leadership,” added Carrie Gallagher, Executive Director of Alliance for Community Trees.  “We know people care about trees and about their pocketbooks.  This legislation recognizes that trees not only beautify homes and our neighborhoods and improve individual property values, but they also save real, everyday dollars for homeowners and businesses by providing heat-beating, energy-saving shade.  Trees are an integral part of creative green solutions to our country’s energy demands.”

Conserving energy through the use of strategically-planted trees is supported by the following organizations: Alliance for Community Trees; American Public Power Association; American Public Works Association; American Society of Landscape Architects; California ReLeaf; California Urban Forests Council; International Society of Arboriculture; Sacramento Municipal Utility District; Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District; Sacramento Tree Foundation, and Utility Arborist Association.

A copy of the Energy Conservation Through Trees Act of 2011 is available HERE.  A one-page summary of the bill is attached HERE.

The 25 individuals who comprise the task force include the nation’s most visionary and respected municipal and state officials, national and local non-profit leaders, researchers, urban planners, and foundation and industry representatives. The members of the task force were selected from a pool of more than 150 nominations. To view a list of the task force members, click here.

In preparation for the workshop, task force members participated in weekly webinars that addressed the history of the U.S. Forest Service’s support of urban and community forestry programs and best practices in urban forests and ecosystems as well as engaged in a discussion of their aspirations and goals for the future of our cities.

Over the course of the April workshop, the task force members began developing a comprehensive set of recommendations that span across seven broad themes:

1. Equity

2. Knowledge and research for decision-making and evaluation

3. Collaborative and integrated planning at a metropolitan regional scale

4. Engagement, education and awareness to action

5. Building capacity

6. Realignment of resources

7. Standard and best practices

These recommendations – to be refined and finalized over the next several months – promote environmental justice, support urban ecosystems research, encourage cross- agency and organization collaboration in green infrastructure planning, and suggest ways to grow a sustainable green jobs workforce, establish consistent funding resources and educate citizens and youth to encourage stewardship and environmental action. The task force will furthermore use current urban forests and ecosystems best practice models to frame a set of Vibrant Cities & Urban Forests standards that will work towards the realization of all of the recommendations.

Larry Costello, Bruce Hagen, and Katherine Jones give you a complete look at selection, care, and preservation.  Using this book you’ll learn how to effectively manage and protect oaks in urban areas – existing oaks as well as the planting of new oaks.  You’ll learn how cultural practices, pest management, risk management, preservation during development, and genetic diversity can all play a role in preserving urban oaks.

Arborists, urban foresters, landscape architects, planners and designers, golf course superintendents, academics, and Master Gardeners alike will find this to be an invaluable reference guide.  Working together we can help assure that oaks will be a robust and integral component of the urban landscape for years to come.  For more information or to order a copy of this new publication, click here.