By Lookout Staff
April 21 – The City of Santa Monica is partnering with two area schools to help reduce greenhouse gases by planting 1,000 new trees as part of project with the U.S. Forest Service’s Center for Urban Forest Research.
On Tuesday, more than 100 students, faculty and staff from The Art Institute of California – Los Angeles and The Art Institute of California - Hollywood will launch the effort by planting 15 to 20 new cedar trees near Lincoln Middle School.
On Wednesday a pine tree will be planted in a public ceremony to recognize both Earth Day and National Arbor Day.
Part of the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Tree Planting Project, the trees will be monitored by City staff with growth data provided to the Center for Urban Forest Research. The project will ultimately bring the City closer to generating reliable information on its efforts in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
“Our partnership with the students and faculty should serve as an example to young people that volunteerism in the community and a commitment to improving our air quality takes us one step closer to a cleaner and healthier environment,” said Walt Warriner, the City’s Community Forester.
The two schools are known for their community service in Santa Monica, having lent design, media arts, fashion and culinary resources to local organizations such as The Big Blue Bus, Santa Monica Farmers’ Markets and the Sustainable Quality Awards.
“This project allows our students and staff to participate in an activity that will directly impact our environment,” said Laura Soloff, President of The Art Institute of California – Los Angeles.
“Giving back to the community is always the right thing to do,” said Gregory Marick, president of The Art Institute of California.
The Tree Planting Project is part of an effort by the City to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 15 percent below 1990 levels community wide, and 30 percent below 1990 levels for government operations by 2015.
As of 2005, community wide emissions have been reduced 1 percent and municipal emissions have been reduced 15 percent.
“This tree planting effort will contribute to the city’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and serve as a pilot project for the implementation of the protocols associated with AB32- California Global Warming Solutions Act,” City officials said in a statement.
The goals are part of the Santa Monica Sustainable City Plan created in 1994 to “help the community to enhance resources, prevent harm to the natural environment and human health, and benefit the social and economic well-being of the community for the sake of current and future generations,” City officials said.
The public event will be held Wednesday, April 22, 2009, at 2901 Ocean Park, at 11:30 AM. All are invited to attend.
