Project: Plan & Plant
Project Summary
On September 14, 2023, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service awarded over $1 billion in grants to expand tree cover, combat climate change, and improve access to nature. Tree San Diego is honored to have received $2,000,000 for the San Diego Regional Plan & Plant (P&P) project, funded by the Inflation Reduction Act and aligned with the Justice40 Initiative.
​
Our P&P project aims to transform San Diego County’s urban forestry landscape by addressing climate challenges and equity gaps. By enhancing tree cover, developing a skilled green workforce, and fostering environmental justice, we’re working to build a greener, healthier future for all communities.
​
“Through this project’s three-pillared approach of planning, planting, and people, we are creating a forward-thinking program that fosters equity and resilience across the county.” — Elektra Fike-Data, Executive Director, Tree San Diego
Our Vision: Plan, Plant, People
Plan
Develop San Diego County’s first Regional Urban Forestry Master Plan (RUFMP) to:
-
Establish sustainable urban forestry practices.
-
Identify priority zones for tree planting and green infrastructure.
-
Strengthen collaboration with local governments, NGOs, and communities.
​
People
Train 300 individuals through the Treejectory+ program to:
-
Gain paid, hands-on training with certified arborists.
-
Learn skills in tree planting, GIS mapping, and urban forestry management.
-
Build career pathways in careers such as urban forestry, conservation, arboriculture, and green infrastructure.
​
Plant
Plant 1,500 trees in underserved areas, improving public health and access to green spaces. Priority zones include:
-
Urban heat islands and low tree-canopy neighborhoods.
-
Schools in disadvantaged or low-income communities.
-
Tribal lands often overlooked in large-scale planting efforts.
-
Disadvantaged and low income (DAC/LIC) neighborhoods.
-
Areas of development.
Why It Matters
San Diego County faces significant challenges, including extreme heat, limited tree canopy, and inequitable access to nature. The P&P project provides solutions by:
-
Promoting Environmental Justice: Prioritizing disadvantaged communities using advanced screening tools.
-
Building Climate Resilience: Expanding tree cover to combat heat, improve air quality, and sequester carbon.
-
Creating Economic Opportunities: Empowering residents with job training and paid apprenticeships in growing green industries.
GET Involved
The P&P project thrives on community input and partnerships. You can join us in:
-
Town Halls & Workshops: Share your thoughts and learn about urban forestry strategies.
-
Tree Stewards Training: Become a community advocate for tree care and maintenance.
Ready to get involved? Learn more about our Treejectory+ workforce development program, donations and volunteer opportunities!
Fast Facts & Impacts
-
Timeline: 2024–2027
-
Tree Count: 1,500 trees (5-gallon and 15-gallon tree sizes).
-
Species Highlight: Native oaks, Torrey pines, and other drought-tolerant trees.
-
Funding Source: USDA Forest Service Urban & Community Forestry Program.
Project Updates
Want to know how we're progressing with tree planting, community engagement, and the development of San Diego’s first Regional Urban Forestry Master Plan? Stay tuned for updates!
Funding for this project is provided by the Inflation Reduction Act and the USDA Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Program.
For media inquiries, please reach out to our team at info@treesandiego.org or call 858-210-6451. Explore the USDA Press Release and review the USDA/USFS Grant Allocations.​