Renew America Success Stories

Trees for Tomorrow Grant Program

Description

Incorporated on Arbor Day 1982, the Sacramento Tree Foundation awards grants to community groups, service clubs, youth organizations, neighborhoods and other organizations to plant trees in public places throughout the Sacramento municipal area. The Foundation also provides educational programs for elementary, intermediate and secondary schools and offers programs and speakers for community groups and service clubs.

Begun as a way to improve the environment and scenic beauty of the local community, the program initially focused on tree planting only, but its organizers soon discovered that an emphasis on tree management and stewardship produced more long-term successes.

Virtually any sponsoring business or service organization that agrees to plant at least 10 trees and whose designated tree manager attends a workshop prior to approval of their project is eligible for a grant. Once a grant is approved, the Foundation will work with the grantee to provide all necessary materials (such as stakes and fertilizer) and expertise to make the planting a success.

The trees are planted along commercial and residential streets, at public and private schools and at parks and other public places. Because the trees are both planted and maintained by community volunteers, the result has been that trees planted within the program have much higher survival rates than trees planted by the city.

The county of Sacramento has contributed approximately one-third of the tree grant budget through a Transit Occupancy Tax award.

Program Highlights

Shade Tree Program

• The Shade Tree Program is a partnership between the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) and the Tree Foundation to save electricity for schools, homes and businesses by planting more than half a million shade trees.
• The Tree Foundation orders trees from local nurseries, coordinates delivery on planting day and handles all necessary agency approvals and permits.
• Each tree planted has its own tag and special number attached to the tree, enabling new tree owners to call the Foundation for special technical assistance regarding tree care.
• The Foundation accepts donations, and contributions of $1,000 or more will enable a sponsor to desgnate a block on which 20 street trees will being planted.

• The Tree Replacement Program replaces fast-growing trees with ornamental varieties that will not interfere with SMUD electric lines. SMUD removes and replaces the trees.

Vital Statistics

Program Management/Partnerships: The City and County of Sacramento, the Sacramento Municipal School District, the Sacramento Bee, Chevron, Chevrolet/Geo Rotarians, Chamber of Commerce, Soroptomists, the Air Force, migrant farm workers and low-rider car associations.

Budget: In review.

Community Served: Communities in Sacramento, CA.

Measures of Success:

• Since 1982, more than 550 grants have been awarded, resulting in the planting and maintenance of 25,000 urban trees by 15,000 volunteers.
• The planting of urban trees can raise commercial property values by as much as 10% - 20%.
• Urban tree canopies reduce summer energy cooling costs.
• Trees help filter air pollutants and renew the air supply.
• New studies show that urban trees are up to 15 times more effective than forest trees at reducing build up of atmospheric carbon dioxide.

 Published: May 1997

Success stories designed by Mark W. Nowak

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