Numerous Network groups will be utilizing urban greening project funds to develop green space at several schools and schoolyards in California by replacing asphalt and concrete with permeable surfaces, bioswales, low mow/low maintenance grasses, gardens, native landscaping, understory and shade trees. Award recipients included the LA Conservation Corps, Hollywood Beautification Team and the Sacramento Tree Foundation.

In addition, TreePeople and North East Trees joined the LA Conservation Corps in securing planning grants that will support urban greening planning for Baldwin Hills, La Brea, Downtown San Pedro, Inglewood, and Lennox.

Finally, Urban Tree Foundation partnered with the City of Visalia and the City of Hanford to restore portions of Mill Creek, and plant street trees in downtown Hanford, respectively.

In total, six Network groups picked up 10 urban greening grants totaling almost $4.6 million, or more than 22%, of the entire pot for available in this grant cycle.

The final awards approved by SGC last week in the 2011-12 grant cycle for Network Groups are as follows:

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The dedication ceremony is scheduled for 11 a.m. on May 5th at the park.

Congratulations, Jackie, and thank you for your years of service to trees and your community!

2012 marks the fifth consecutive year Odwalla has made tree donations based on votes made by fans on the Plant a Tree program website.  Over the past four years, the nourishing beverage and food bar company has provided $450,000 worth of trees to America’s state parks.  The program has been updated this year to allow selected organizations to compete for $10,000 tree-planting project grants.

During April and May, visitors to the Plant a Tree website can support Healthy Tree, Healthy Kids by simply logging on and voting for the project’s video.  No contribution is required.  The 10 organizations with the most votes by May 31 will receive $10,000 each.

If selected, Healthy Trees, Healthy Kids will use the funds to plant 114 trees on the campus of Brentwood Academy and bring much need shade to its 500 students.  The species of trees donated will vary by region and will be planted in fall 2012.  “The Odwalla Plant a Tree program is very important to improving the air quality and creating safe and healthy spaces for the kids in East Palo Alto,” said Catherine Martineau, Executive Director of Canopy.  “We hope all East Palo Alto residents will go to the website to ensure the success of our local project, which is sure to benefit local residents for many generations to come.”

They seek a dynamic development professional to refine and implement a multi-pronged fundraising strategy, supported by a well-defined communications and marketing plan.

To view the position announcement, click here.

• Supported 17 significant urban forestry projects that provided California with 72,000 workforce hours supporting 140 jobs,
• Delivered important education to nonprofits and community organizations through our newsletter and annual conference,
• Sponsored successful legislation designating March 7 – 14 of every year as California Arbor Week, and
• Joined Network members to support legislation that extended the prevailing wage exception for volunteers through 2016.

Our Network members:

• Planted over 53,000 trees,
• Cared for over 122,000 trees,
• Held over 1,400 outreach events, and
• Engaged over 31,000 volunteers.

To read more about our work in 2011, download a copy of our annual report here. To help us continue the success of urban and community forestry in California, donate here.

One need not be a Tree Amigo to volunteer with the nonprofit organization dedicated to urban forestry, but those who become Tree Amigos serve as mentors for the many volunteers who commit time and energy as a community service to the agency’s many projects.

The classes will cover such topics as how to properly plant a tree, how to maintain and care for planted trees, how to raise trees in a nursery, how to identify the common trees of San Jose and how to educate others about urban forestry.

The four sessions take place on Thursday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m. at Our City Forest office, 151 Mission St., Suite 151, San Jose, beginning March 29.

In addition, there will be four field sessions on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon in various San Jose locations.

Tree Amigos are expected to volunteer in 10 events within a year planting trees, conducting tree planting demonstrations and assisting Our City Forest programs. No prior experience is required.

To sign up for the classes, call 408.998.7337, ext. 123 or email gro.tserofyticruonull@ssalcogimaeert.

In March, Facebook will change all accounts to the new “timeline” profile style. Visitors to your organization’s page will see a whole new look. Make sure you’re ahead of the change by making updates to your page now. You can choose to be an early adopter of the timeline status. If you do that, then you can set up your page and be in charge of how everything looks from the start. Otherwise, you’ll be left changing pictures and items that Facebook automatically filters into certain areas of your page. For more information about timeline profiles, visit facebook for an introduction and tutorial.

At the end of 2011, YouTube also made some changes. While these changes don’t necessarily reflect in how your channel looks, they do play a part in how people find you. Check out this page to learn how to maximize YouTube’s new search features and use it to your advantage.

Special celebrations highlight the importance of trees to California

Sacramento, Calif. – California Arbor Week will be celebrated throughout California March 7-14 to highlight the importance of trees to communities by improving air quality, water conservation, economic vitality, individual health and the ambiance of residential and commercial neighborhoods.

Organizations ranging from city tree foundations, nature groups, cities, schools and youth organizations are preparing to plant thousands of trees in every corner of the state as a commitment to green space and community well being.

“Over 94% of Californian’s live in urban areas.” said Joe Liszewski, Executive Director for California ReLeaf, the organization spearheading California Arbor Week activities. “Trees make California’s cities and towns better. It’s that simple. Everyone can do their part to plant and care for trees ensuring that they are a resource long into the future.”

California ReLeaf is an alliance of community-based groups, individuals, industry, and government agencies working to protect the environment by planting and caring for trees, and the state’s urban and community forests.  California ReLeaf works in partnership with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), the state agency’s Urban Forestry Program is responsible for leading the effort to advance the development of sustainable urban and community forests in California.

Research shows that trees clear pollution from the air, catch significant rainwater, add to property values, cut energy use, increase commercial activity, reduce stress, improve neighborhood safety and enhance recreation opportunities.

California Arbor Week runs March 7-14 every year. Visit www.arborweek.org for more information.

In other Capitol news, Governor Brown issued a proclamation recognizing March 7th as Arbor Day in California. He led the proclamation with the poem “Green and Gold” by Gary Snyder. To read the full proclamation, visit the governor’s website.