Official Press Release: Urban Forestry Project Awards Announced

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URBAN FORESTRY PROJECT AWARDS ANNOUNCED THAT REDUCE GHGs  

70px-CalFire-shieldca_releaf_logo-150pxSacramento, CA – California ReLeaf has announced that nine community groups across the state will receive $385,000 in funding for tree planting projects through the California ReLeaf 2016 Social Equity Tree Planting Program. Individual grants range from $18,500 to $70,000.

The grant recipients are engaging in a variety of tree planting projects that will reduce greenhouse gasses (GHGs) and enhance urban forests in severely under resourced communities throughout the state. Each project also contains a significant education component that will engage community members and students and on how trees are critical to supporting climate resilience, clean air and healthy communities.

“Strong, sustainable urban forests are critical to California’s efforts to adapt our cities to a changing climate,” said Cindy Blain, Executive Director for California ReLeaf. “These grant projects reflect great inclusivity, creativity, and commitment to making our state a better place to live for those who don’t have the benefit of shade trees and green space in their neighborhoods.”

The California ReLeaf Social Equity Tree Planting Program is funded through a grant awarded by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection as part of the California Climate Investments Program. All projects must reduce GHGs and either be located in or provide benefit to disadvantaged communities (DACs) as defined by the State.

“Increasing canopy cover is one of the best ways we can provide meaningful benefits to those California communities hit first and worst by climate change,” noted Alvaro Sanchez, Director of Environmental Equity at the Greenlining Institute. “The projects funded by the 2016 Social Equity Tree Planting Program will increase tree canopy and provide multiple-benefits like reducing average daily temperatures, sequestering carbon, increasing access to green space, and creating opportunities in communities like Fresno, Madera, Oakland, and Los Angeles.”

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Congratulations to the 2016 Social Equity Tree Planting Program Grant Recipients:

Organization | County | Project Title

Amigos de los Rios | Los Angeles | Whitter Narrows Tree Canopy – Emerald Necklace
Earth Team | Contra Costa | San Pablo Urban Forest
From Lot to Spot | Los Angeles | Lennox Enhancement & Engagement Project
Growing Together | Alameda | Root to Rise: Oakland Youth Community Forestry
Industrial District Green | Los Angeles | Greening Central Avenue in DTLA
Madera Coalition for Community Justice | Madera | Madera Tree Planting Project
Tree Fresno | Fresno | Trees for Fresno DAC Schools
Tree San Diego | San Diego | Parks Plus
The University Corporation, CSU Northridge | Los Angeles | Tree Planting & Education in a Next Century Public School

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California ReLeaf’s mission is to empower grassroots efforts and build strategic partnerships that preserve, protect, and enhance California’s urban and community forests. Working statewide, we promote alliances among community-based groups, individuals, industry, and government agencies, encouraging each to contribute to the livability of cities and the protection of our environment by planting and caring for trees.

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