California Center for Sustainable Energy

The California Center for Sustainable Energy ( CCSE) is in the process of creating an Advice and Technical Assistance Center ( ATAC) for Urban Forestry with a $400,000 grant from CAL FIRE.  A full time urban forester has been identified and will be on staff by mid- November 2010.   Until then, questions can be directed to Andrea Cook at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

CCSE’s main goal for this project is to enable and facilitate a wide range of urban forestry projects in the San Diego Region.  ATAC will become THE central meeting place for people to learn both the “how to” and best practices in urban landscaping.  Through education, outreach and technical assistance, ATAC will provide metrics for use by decision-makers and citizens alike when reaching to meet pressing water conservation and greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals under Assembly Bill 32 (The Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006) and the (Integrated Regional Water Management Plan (IRWMP).

Expected Results

1. The creation of the Advice and Technical Assistance Center ( ATAC) for Urban Forestry within the current physical space of CCSE in San Diego, located at 8690 Balboa Ave, Suite 100, San Diego, California 92123.
2. Promotion of urban forestry and its co-benefits throughout the CCSE facility, including:
   1. a highly visible, innovative, and interactive urban forestry displays;
   2. “take home” print collateral in the Energy Resource Center ( ERC)
   3. hands-on, minds-on quarterly in-house workshops;
   4. extensive books for reference and lending in the library; and
   5. contact information for on-site staff person to answer questions
3. Development of an extensive urban forestry website, including:
   • downloadable and high quality print materials (posters and brochures);
   • downloadable presentations and educational materials for others to use;
   • a calendar of regional forestry events;
   • local plant keys and tree walk information; and
   • links to other local resources.
4. Quantification of the savings from ATAC projects and collaborations, including:
   • greenhouse gas reductions (piloting urban forestry protocols);
   • energy savings;
   • water savings; and
   • other co-benefits.
5. Education and Outreach to disadvantaged communities in the San Diego Region, including:
   • three neighborhood sustainability events; and
   • engaging, hands-on tree planting in school yards, community centers, bus stops and low income homes.