image by Marci Stenberg courtesy of Merced Sun-Star

Planning for the new Felix Torres Family Farmworker housing complex, home to many migrant workers in Planada, started in 2003. Because of the economic downturn, construction didn’t start until 2010 and even then the project’s budget had been so severely cut that none of the planned landscaping could be implemented. Tree Partners Foundation, a California ReLeaf Network member, stepped in to make sure the residents wouldn’t be left without the benefits of trees.

More than 200 trees were donated by Tree Partners and the Merced Irrigation District. Initially, this donation is estimated at $10,000. Over time, the trees will save complex residents even more in saved energy costs.

To read more about the donation and planting event, visit the Merced Sun-Star.