In an effort to educate decision makers, California ReLeaf has teamed up with others around the state to create an education campaign that focuses on the many benefits of urban greening. The first component of the campaign included a brown bag lunch session and an eight-page brochure that highlights the benefits of urban greening and tree planting.
From L to R: Greg McPherson, Andy Lipkis, Martha Ozonoff, Ray Tretheway, Desiree Backman
On October 28, over 30 people from state agencies and legislative staff attended a brown bag lunch session that provided an overview of urban greening benefits and how urban greening could be used as a viable, cost-effective solution when trying to solve water, air, and community problems.
Andy Lipkis, Founder and President of TreePeople, showed the audience several examples of communities that have used urban greening to reduce water pollutants and contaminants and reduce soil erosion, runoff, and flooding. Greg McPherson, Urban Forest Research Director at the Center for Urban Forestry Research, talked about how trees and urban greening can sequester carbon, mitigate climate change, modify temperatures, filter air pollutants, and conserve energy. Ray Tretheway, Founder and Executive Director of the Sacramento Tree Foundation, explained how trees can increase property value, attract consumers along with new businesses and communities, and reduce crime. The Deputy Director of the Sacramento Tree Foundation, Dr. Desiree Backman, described how living in green communities can lower obesity rates, reduce the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes, and increase activity levels.
Andy Lipkis, Founder and President of TreePeople, speaks about the importance of urban greening.
Funding for this project was generously provided by the Urban Forestry Program at the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), through Proposition 84 bond funds.
For more information, follow the links below to see each speaker’s PowerPoint presentation and to the companion publication, “Urban Greening: Integrated Approaches…Multiple Solutions”.
Engaging Nature & Communities for Safe & Resilient Cities– Andy Lipkis
Urban Greening: Energy, Air & Climate – Greg McPherson
Urban Greening is a Great Investment – Ray Tretheway
Healthy Places, Healthy People: The Urban Forest Meets Public Health – Desiree Backman