Join the New Exhibit Party

Open house features new Urban Forestry Program

CCSE will launch an innovative program in urban forestry in San Diego and introduce several new exhibits in its Energy Resource Center on Wednesday, March 2. Funded by a $400,000 grant from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), CCSE’s urban forestry program will promote trees and other landscaping as a means for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and conserving water and energy resources in the region. The event is free and open to the public.

Andrea Cook, CCSE climate change program manager, will kick off the event with a presentation titled “Sustainable Landscaping 101” at 4:30 p.m. (register here). She will explore the relationships between landscaping and sustainability issues, such as atmospheric carbon uptake and water impacts as well as effects on household energy consumption.

After the talk, Robin Rivet, CCSE’s urban forester, will give a tour of new displays at the Energy Resource Center that highlight the many benefits of trees to air quality and the sustainability of our local and global environment. In addition to the displays, the center also has a lending library of books, periodicals and DVDs on sustainable landscaping and related topics. Author and sustainable gardening expert Nan Sterman will hold a book signing at the reception.

CCSE is making a major entry into all aspects of urban forestry and sustainable landscaping, with advice and technical assistance for individuals and municipalities as well as workshops and community events, according to Rivet.

“Our goal is to instill a sense of urgency about planting more urban trees in San Diego by providing the latest information and resources for best landscaping practices,” Rivet said. "Urban forestry is America's frontline defense in the fight against climate change."

The event will also be an opportunity to view CCSE’s newly redesigned Energy Resource Center with exhibits about solar energy, energy efficiency, green building and other sustainability topics. Operated in conjunction with San Diego Gas & Electric, the Energy Resource Center is open to the public Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The center offers many workshops for homeowners, building contractors and others that are also free and open to the public. For information, visit www.energycenter.org or call 858-244-1177.

Further information about CCSE’s new Cal Fire Urban Forestry Advice and Technical Assistance Center can be found online at www.energycenter.org/ATAC.

Continue reading February's newsletter.