Ojai Trees Wins ReLeaf Grant
$3,718 Doubles Street Tree Planting for Fall and Winter
Calling all tree planters! Mid-point into their fall planting events, Ojai Trees has been awarded a grant from the California ReLeaf Program to plant new street trees.
According to Ojai Trees Board President Tom Bostrom, the $3,718 grant is great news as it will double the number of street trees that Ojai Trees is planting in the community this fall and winter.
California ReLeaf assists nonprofit and community-based groups with grants for tree-planting projects on public land. The grants are funded through a contract with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) and utilize Proposition 84 funds.
Ojai Trees had a proven track record; it has planted over 357 new trees and logged over 1,500 volunteer hours through their Neighborhood Forester program. Ojai Trees was established in 2008 to improve the Ojai Valley tree canopy by planting new trees, and currently assists Valley residents in planting trees on their own property twice yearly.
“We were able to leverage our grants from Rotary Club of Ojai and the City of Ojai’s Tree Fund,” said Bostrom, “enabling us to increase the number of new street trees to 50.”
“We will be planting these trees with volunteers over the next five months,” said Bostrom. “Volunteers will be trained by and work side by side with our experienced Planting Supervisors. Anyone who would like to volunteer, please e-mail us at trees@ojaitrees.org or call 646-2992.”
Bostrom said Ojai Trees will also continue with its popular Neighborhood Forester program. In this program, volunteers circulate through their own neighborhoods, contacting residents who want to plant a fruit or shade tree. A tree expert is available to assist in selecting “the right tree for the right place.” and trees are planted by crews of “happy volunteers”. Ojai Trees next Neighborhood Forester planting event is scheduled for December 11.
Bostrom also mentioned that Ojai Trees now offers holiday gift trees on its website for alternative “green gifting.”
“It’s truly one-stop local shopping at its best,” said Bostrom. “Give a gift tree that will be planted right here in the Ojai Valley, cleaning the air, making shade, and providing years of enjoyment.”
To find out more about what trees can do for the environment or what you can do for trees visit Ojai Trees online. Dates for the street tree plantings will be posted there.
