Transforming neighborhoods: A Federal grant for tree planting
The City of San Diego was awarded a $10,000,000 grant from the USDA Forest Service, for establishing trees in six areas, and one of these is the Otay Mesa/Nestor community. More info at Ready, Set, Grow San Diego. This project focuses on enhancing tree equity and promoting a sustainable future by addressing environmental and social needs. Otay Mesa/Nestor has been notably affected by the urban heat island effect, making it a priority for this transformative project.
Schools have been identified as an area where trees will benefit children and neighborhoods. Five elementary schools are located in areas eligible for trees: Emory, Howard Pence, Los Altos, Mendoza, and Sunnyslope. Also Southwest High School, Southwest Middle School and MarVista Academy MS.
The benefits of growing street trees around schools are described for Sunnyslope ES. Existing street trees and suitable tree planting sites can be viewed in this Sunnyslope ES Street Trees Map. Click on one of the three layers: vacant sites, small trees (1 to 12 inches dbh-diameter at breast height) and large trees (13 inches dbh or greater). Zoom out to view street trees in the area surrounding the school.
How We Can Help
What? Schools are a great area to plant trees. Many students walk to school and wait for their ride outside. This means that they need shade on those hot summer days. Studies have shown that trees around schools “support children’s development, learning, and focus.” Learn more about growing a Green Bubble around schools.
When and where? If you are interested in walking around your neighborhood and analyzing potential sites for trees, let us know. Our interns are available to lead walks to recommend sites where trees will have long term success rates! We are also happy to connect you with other organizations that are working towards increasing the urban forest!
We are working with interns at South Bay Sustainable Communities to collect field data on tree planting sites in the Otay Mesa- Nestor area, to attend meetings about the Ready, Set, Grow San Diego project, and to work with other community groups.
Contact Info
For more information, contact Anisah at anisah@katestrees.org