On March 6th, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) announced that they, along with the California ReLeaf, are grateful for the sponsorship of California Arbor Week from three companies: Edison International, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), and Blue Shield of California. The event is scheduled to take place from the 7th to the 14th of March, aiming to encourage residents to actively participate in tree-planting activities.
The news conference was held at Independence Park in Stockton. This year, Edison International and PG&E jointly donated $110,000 to support forestry projects in over 20 grassroots cities across the state. The significance of trees goes beyond their beauty; they bring numerous benefits to the environment and communities.
Blue Shield of California sponsored the art poster contest for Arbor Week. Walter Passmore, an official from CAL FIRE’s Urban and Community Forestry Program, emphasized the importance of ongoing collaboration and community engagement in expanding urban tree canopy coverage for sustained success in planting and nurturing trees where most needed.
Cindy Blain, Executive Director of California ReLeaf, highlighted how as temperatures rise during the summer, more people are recognizing the value of shade trees in their yards, schools, and communities. Trees play a vital role in cooling temperatures, purifying the air, enhancing social connections, improving community health, and boosting resilience. All it takes to care for them is water, mulch, proper pruning, and companionship.
The Arbor Week-sponsored projects are supported by Edison International. Elizabeth Seelman, the company’s Director of Corporate Affairs, expressed their honor in continuing to support Arbor Week activities, advocating for community-led initiatives that bring tangible environmental and public health benefits to communities in need.
Seelman stressed the importance of trees in creating vibrant public spaces that foster community growth while mitigating extreme heat and improving air quality. The company remains dedicated to investing in a more sustainable, resilient, and equitable future for all residents of California.
PG&E sponsored the “Growing Green Communities” project, aimed at creating greener, healthier, and safer communities. Stephanie Isaacson, Executive Director of the company’s foundation, highlighted the funding support for tree planting and educational initiatives on proper tree planting to ensure the prosperity and development of communities for generations to come.
In 2011, the California legislature passed Resolution ACR10, designating March 7-14 as California Arbor Week. March 7 also marks the birthday of the renowned botanist and horticulturist Luther Burbank, who cultivated hundreds of plant varieties during his 55-year career.
The Arbor Week Art Poster contest, a collaboration between California ReLeaf and CAL FIRE, aims to educate and inspire the next generation of tree advocates on the importance of planting and protecting urban forests for the environment, society, and public health. With the theme “Trees Are Our Friends,” the contest encourages school-aged children (5-12 years old) to consider various ways to interact with trees and how trees contribute to improving their lives.
Blue Shield of California sponsored the contest, with Dr. Jennifer Nuovo, Chief Medical Officer of their “Promise Health” program, underscoring the significant impact of pollution, poor air quality, and wildfires on public health, especially in low-income communities.
Alongside the press conference, the Arbor Week activities were officially launched. The kickoff ceremony was co-hosted by the Stockton City government and Little Manila Rising organization (LMR), with partner organizations including Tree Stockton, Stockton Service Corps, Greater Valley Conservation Corps, and San Joaquin Community Foundation. The winners of the youth art contest were announced during the event.
Kevin Sunga, Deputy Director of LMR, emphasized the importance of tree planting and how its benefits may extend beyond our immediate understanding, serving as a form of guardianship for future generations and their habitats.
Mayor Cristina Fugazi reiterated that Arbor Week is a tribute to trees and a commitment to the future of Stockton City. She emphasized that the investment goes beyond tree planting and encompasses building community capacity, developing workforce skills, and ensuring long-term management to ensure lasting benefits of this green infrastructure for every resident.