California ReLeaf announced today that 25 community groups across the state will receive a total of nearly $200,000 in funding for tree care and tree planting projects through the California ReLeaf 2012 Urban Forestry and Education Grant Program. Individual grants range from $2,700 to $10,000.
The grant recipients are engaging in a variety of tree planting and tree maintenance projects that will enhance urban forests in both highly utilized and severely under-served communities throughout the state. Each project also contains a significant environmental education component that will increase the visibility of how these projects are critical elements to supporting clean air, clean water, and healthy communities. “Strong, sustainable urban and community forests directly contribute to the economic, social and environmental health of California,” said Chuck Mills, California ReLeaf Grants Program Manager. “Through their funded proposals, these 25 grant recipients reflect a creativity and commitment to making our state a better place to live for this generation and generations to come.”
The California ReLeaf Urban Forestry and Education Grant Program is funded through contracts with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection and Region IX of the Environmental Protection Agency.
“ReLeaf is proud to be an integral part of building community through tree care, tree planting and environmental education projects in California,” said Executive Director Joe Liszewski. “Since 1992, we have invested more than $9 million in urban forestry efforts geared towards greening our Golden State.”
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.