Urban Forestry Project Awards Announced

Sacramento, CA, October 24, 2012 --(PR.com)-- California ReLeaf announced today Friends of Balboa Park has been awarded a $10,000 grant through the California ReLeaf 2012 Urban Forestry and Education Program. Friends of Balboa Park is one of 25 grant recipients statewide funded through this $200,000 competitive grants program.

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 underserved communities throughout the region. 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.

Friends of Balboa Park is committed to preserving Balboa Park’s legacy for future generations through park-wide projects. The non-profit organization, in partnership with San Diego Park & Recreation, will utilize the funding for the Australian Garden Project.

Jim Hughes, Chairman of the Board of Friends of Balboa Park, said, “The project is intended to make the Australian Garden an official showcase garden of Balboa Park by highlighting urban forestry and landscaping from Australia that thrives in Southern California.”

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. A complete list of the 2012 grant recipients can be downloaded from the California ReLeaf website at www.californiareleaf.org.

“Strong, sustainable urban and community forests directly contribute to the economic, social and environmental health of California. ReLeaf is proud to be an integral part of building community through these projects,” said California ReLeaf 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.