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-Editorial
The Imperial Irrigation District (IID) donated two trees to San Diego State University as part of the Arbor Day celebration, an annual observance dedicated to encouraging the planting of trees.
Imperial County and the City of Calexico officials joined SDSU Imperial Valley leaders, including representatives from the university’s Associated Students, for the event.
The master of ceremonies was IID Director Javier Gonzalez who has been a champion for Earth Day and Arbor Day for many years organizing events in Calexico.
“We’ve done this for many years and we are proud to do it now at SDSU,” Gonzalez said.
As part of the university’s sustainability efforts, SDSU has a dedicated Office of Energy & Sustainability and Climate Action Plan.
“To plant a tree today is to believe we will get a better tomorrow,” said SDSU Dean Gina Nunez. “We might not be here tomorrow, but it will remind someone that you were here and that you made a personal commitment.”
Arbor Day is celebrated in all 50 states. The most common date for the state observance is the last Friday in April — National Arbor Day.
IID’s Initiative to Plant More Trees
IID recently introduced the new “Tree for All” program. This residential free shade tree program was one of the many public benefits programs offered by IID to energy customers across the Imperial and Coachella Valleys. Trees can reduce energy costs by up to 20% and provide many other community benefits.
Customers received a free tree to be planted at their home, located to maximize energy savings. The trees available through this program have been carefully selected for their specific characteristics and ability to survive in our region’s warm desert climate.
If cared for as directed, your new tree will provide many benefits to you and your neighborhood including in addition to energy savings like improved air quality, providing habitat for wildlife, improving property values, and increasing neighborhood walkability.
While your tree may not provide these benefits to its fullest immediately, if planted and watered as directed, your tree will quickly thrive and offer advantages that are worth the wait.
Two program structures were utilized, with drive-thru tree events being held in the Coachella Valley and a pilot tree-planting program established for Imperial Valley.
The program will soon open for municipalities and non-profit organizations.
