Imagine living in a city or town without trees. Imagine going to a school with only concrete on the playground. Imagine your neighborhood without any parks or gardens. This is the reality for a large number of Californians. Over 94% of California’s population, 35 million people, now live in a census defined urban area. The trees and forests in California’s cities and towns are critical to our health, well-being, and quality of life, yet often are taken for granted, neglected, and an afterthought when planning for our state’s continued growth.
California ReLeaf and its Network of local partners are working to change this, but we can’t do it alone. A thriving and well-managed urban forest provides clean air and water, happy and connected neighbors, and places to play and be active, right in our own backyards. We need to ensure that all Californians have access to a healthy urban forest.
Right now California ReLeaf is planning tree planting projects, outreach and education programs, and leading a statewide advocacy effort for 2013 and beyond. Without support from you, your colleagues, friends, and neighbors, our state’s urban forests will continue to be a “nice” addition to our cities and towns.
The $10, $35, $100, or even $1,000 dollars you give to our efforts goes directly into trees. Together we can preserve, protect, and grow California’s urban forests. Join us as we work to leave a legacy for California and improve our green infrastructure for generations to come.