San Diego Gas & Electric’s Post

🌳 A Green Revolution in West End 🌿 We are excited to share our latest project that's set to transform the West End into a vibrant urban food forest! This initiative is part of the City’s Neighborhood Partnership Grant program and reflects our commitment to sustainable urban development. Nestled in the Sulger subdivision, at 340 E. Busby Drive and 345 Sheila Lane, our urban food forest will grow on two City-owned lots. We’re rolling out this project in three phases: 1. Fencing: The first step is establishing a secure perimeter, and we’re making great progress. 2. Planning & Planting: Our efforts here are centered around rainwater harvesting, ecological balance, and planting diverse plant species. 3. Signage & Maintenance: We’ll install educational signage and have a solid plan for ongoing care. Echoing Hope Ranch, a Hereford-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, has generously committed to maintaining the food forest for a decade. Together, we’re united in the mission to rejuvenate the Earth by implementing regenerative food systems! #JoinTheConversation Your input is invaluable to us. We invite you to a community meeting to discuss this exciting project: 📅 Saturday, March 2 ⏰ 10 a.m. 📍 Sierra Vista Food Co-op Let’s come together to cultivate not just a food forest, but a legacy of community and environmental well-being! #UrbanAgriculture #Sustainability #CommunityEngagement #FoodForest #ReapGoodness

🌳 2,500 Volunteers Help Cardiff's Urban Forest Grow🌳 We've just experienced one of the wettest winters on record, but that hasn't deterred 2500 volunteers supporting our Coed Caerdydd project, planting an incredible 30,000 trees in just six months. Established in 2021 as part of Cardiff Council's One Planet Cardiff response to the climate emergency, the Coed Caerdydd project has gone from strength to strength resulting in the planting of 80,000 new trees across 280 different sites in Cardiff. From parks and open spaces to schools and community sites, the impact of this initiative is evident across the city. This season, our focus on street trees has intensified, with over 200 large new street trees planted in areas with low or no tree canopy cover. The benefits of this project extend far beyond environmental considerations; it fosters a sense of community engagement and empowerment. The dedication of our volunteers is commendable. Over 10,000 hours have been volunteered since the project's inception, showcasing the power of collective action in addressing environmental challenges. But our work doesn't stop with tree planting; there are plenty of opportunities to get involved throughout the year. Whether it's assisting in the tree nursery or becoming a Tree Guardian to ensure the newly planted trees thrive, there's a role for everyone in this initiative. If you're interested in joining us or have suggestions for new planting sites, reach out to us at [email protected]. #CoedCaerdydd #UrbanForest #CommunityEngagement #ClimateAction

Each year in the United States, urban tree cover decreases by an estimated 36 million trees, or 175,000 acres. For perspective, New York City’s Central Park contains about 18,000 trees, meaning the U.S. loses 2,000 times the number of trees in Central Park each year to factors like urban development, industry, climate change impacts, and lack of tree maintenance. In 2021, tree equity studies confirmed that socially and economically disadvantaged communities are more likely to experience the negative effects of urban tree loss. On average, communities with high levels of poverty have approximately 41 percent fewer trees than their wealthier counterparts. To help combat this inequity, nonprofit environmental advocacy organization Faith in Place was awarded $1.99 million by the U.S. Forest Service’s Urban and Community Forestry Program to increase urban tree canopies in the Great Lakes region. These funds will allow Faith in Place to facilitate tree planning and workforce development projects at faith institutions and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations serving disadvantaged communities throughout Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin. A million thanks to Rev. Brian Sauder for sitting down with me to talk about tree equity and environmental justice for this article for Healing Our Waters - Great Lakes Coalition. #treeequity #treeplaning #environmentalworkforcedevelopment #freelacewriter #greatlakesregion #climateimpacts #urbantreeloss #environmentaljournalism

Judy Laird-Gossman (pictured, right) is one of 140 leading advocates and Parks & Trails New York members who converged in Albany this week to win new state support for our #parks, trails and public lands. In 80+ meetings we connected with legislators as never before, making our case on equity, health and #conservation grounds. Our parks 🌲 are, of course, priceless. Yet as we seek a necessary increase in this year's state parks budget for vital capital improvements, we have to make this value more tangible: Thanks to the steady increases in state parks visitation in recent years (84.1 million visits in 2023), the state park system now rivals New York's agricultural sector (!) in terms of spending ($5.8b) , labor income ($2.5b) and contribution to state GDP ($3.7b). This, according to an upcoming report from Parks & Trails New York and the Political Economy Research Institute (PERI) Special thanks to our partners at Open Space Institute for making this year's Park Advocacy Day so impactful! also: New York Outdoor Recreation Coalition Audubon New York Adirondack Council The Nature Conservancy South Bronx Unite WE ACT for Environmental Justice

At Friends for a Beautiful East Meadow, we are driven by a shared vision of enhancing the natural charm and aesthetic appeal of East Meadow, New York. Our non-profit organization is dedicated to the beautification and preservation of this vibrant community, recognizing the profound impact that a well-maintained environment has on the quality of life for residents. What We Do: 1. Green Initiatives: We spearhead initiatives to plant trees, flowers, and greenery that not only add to the visual appeal of East Meadow but also contribute to a healthier environment. 2. Community Clean-ups: We organize regular clean-up events to keep our streets, parks, and public spaces litter-free. By mobilizing community members, we strive to create a cleaner and more enjoyable community. 3. Public Art Installations: We believe that art has the power to inspire and uplift. Our organization supports public art installations that add a creative touch to East Meadow, fostering a sense of unity and cultural appreciation. 4. Educational Programs: Friends for a Beautiful East Meadow is committed to raising awareness about the importance of environmental conservation. Through educational programs, workshops, and seminars, we aim to inspire the community to actively participate in preserving our natural resources. Get Involved: We invite you to join us in our mission to make East Meadow a more beautiful place to live, work, and play. Whether you're a resident, business owner, or simply someone passionate about community beautification, there's a place for you in Friends for a Beautiful East Meadow. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/emCizmy9 #FABEM #Community #EastMeadow #NewYork #Community #PublicArt #GoGreen

Weekend recap: If it has anything to do with improving the community...count me in. Planting trees has become one of my favorite things to do and if you've never done it, I definitely recommend!

♻️ This spring, UWL will launch a dumpster diversion program with the collaboration of Habitat for Humanity of the Greater La Crosse Region! The dumpster diversion program unites several departments and initiatives on campus, all with the goal of promoting sustainability, community collaboration and hands-on learning for students. 💡 Take a peek at this story to learn more about the program: 🔗

"Thrilled to share my recent volunteer journey with Farm Patch, where we bridged community needs and sustainable farming. Over the last few months, my incredible team and I dove deep into understanding the local Asian community's preferences, bringing fresh, tailored produce directly to their tables. We got our hands dirty in the garden, fine-tuned the store's appeal, and launched a feedback loop that echoes the community's voice. This experience was more than just volunteer work; it was a lesson in the power of community engagement, data-driven decision making, and sustainable practices. #VolunteerWork #CommunityEngagement #SustainableFarming #DataDrivenDecisions"

🌿 Ever thought about how our upbringing shapes our future? Studies reveal that access to green spaces significantly enhances our mental and physical well-being. 🌳 Today is Arbor Day! Arbor Day is about preserving green space, planting trees, and appreciating the benefits of getting outside and caring for our world. 🏠 Are you a Public Housing Authority interested in offering residents the perks of greenspace on your properties? Here are some ideas to consider: ✅ Engage residents! Commemorate Arbor Day by involving them in planting trees around the property and their living spaces. ✅ Start a community garden to foster connections among residents and promote the growth of fresh produce. ✅ Support sustainability by investing in green energy for a brighter future! 👉 Do you have a story of what you have done to conserve and create greenspaces? Drop it in the comments below! #Affordablehousing #Research #Sustainability #Greenspace

🌳 Schoolyard greening is making headlines! 🌞🌿 Two recent articles highlight the urgent need to transform asphalt playgrounds into green, shaded spaces to combat rising temperatures and improve student well-being: 1. The Washington Post: Why Schools are Ripping up Playgrounds across the U.S. https://lnkd.in/d4WnVh2J 2. The New York Times: Asphalt Schoolyards Get a Shady Makeover. https://lnkd.in/dPXuUXFi These initiatives are not just about creating play areas; they're about fostering healthier, more resilient communities. 🌱 The Nature Conservancy in Europe is doing its part, too. We are partnering with Deutsche Umwelthilfe on the Woods R Us project to bring vital changes to schoolyards, ensuring children have access to cooler, nature-rich environments. 🌳🏫 #GreenSchoolyards #UrbanGreening #ClimateAdaptation #Education #CommunityHealth #Nature #Sustainability