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-Editorial
Recipients of the Imperial Irrigation District’s 2025 Public Green Space Grant awards have begun planting trees as fall temperatures arrive.
The district is distributing $579,000 to 24 organizations across the Imperial and Coachella Valleys to plant roughly 1,000 trees. The grants aim to reduce urban heat, conserve energy, and beautify neighborhoods.
Projects are underway at schools, including the El Centro Elementary School District, which will plant 103 trees across 12 campuses, and Ben Hulse Elementary in Imperial, which will plant 85 trees. Students, staff, and community members are participating in planting events.
“IID is excited to see these important projects come to life,” said IID Board Vice Chair JB Hamby. “Trees provide shade, improve the environment, and enhance quality of life while conserving energy.”
This year’s recipients include 14 educational institutions, five cities, two utility districts, a housing authority, and nonprofit organizations. Grants are capped at $35,000 per project.
“It’s great to see the enthusiasm from the children involved,” said IID Board Chairwoman Gina Dockstader. The district increased funding this year from the original $500,000 due to strong demand and additional available resources.
Recipients include Grace Smith Elementary, Niland; Fremont Primary, Bill E. Young Middle, and Calipatria High, Calipatria; Amistad High, Indio; El Centro Elementary School District; Ben Hulse Elementary, Imperial; San Diego State University, Imperial Valley; West Shores High, Salton City; Brawley Elementary School District; Dogwood Elementary and Heber School, Heber; William Moreno Middle, Calexico; and Seeley Unified School District. Other recipients include the cities of Imperial, Westmorland, Coachella, Brawley, and Calipatria; Seeley Water District; The Landing Zone Parrot Sanctuary, Thousand Palms; St. Mary’s Church, El Centro; Heber Public Utility District; and the Imperial Valley Housing Authority.
