Current Position:/strong> President of Huntington Beach Tree Society (since 1998)
What is/was your relationship to ReLeaf?
1998 to present – Network member and Grant recipient. This is an all-volunteer organization.
What did/does California ReLeaf mean to you?
ReLeaf educated us on true importance of trees; to both the organization and me. It a place for networking and hatching/building projects and for finding new ideas and approaches. One of HBTS’s main goals is to connect a young person to every tree we plant. ReLeaf has helped us in achieving this goal.
ReLeaf grants have funded trees for many of our projects but in particular are the tree for the pocket parks in Huntington Beach that hadn’t had trees since the 1970’s. All our grant-writing skills were obtained through ReLeaf training and feedback. Our City has benefited immensely! I love being around the exciting, treeific people – they keep me motivated.
Best memory or event of California ReLeaf?
My favorite memories of ReLeaf are meeting such special people at the annual retreats! There is always so much rejuvenating energy. A special project for HBTS is the Butterfly park we have established. We are so proud of the park and the publicity (documentary).
Why is it important that California ReLeaf continue its Mission?
ReLeaf is about empowering citizens at a grassroots level and enlightening them on how to makes changes in their communities through urban forest projects. They complete this is through funding opportunities, networking, and sometimes, handholding. ReLeaf also keep Legislators accountable on environmental issues. ReLeaf’s presence in Sacramento is irreplaceable