California Releaf

Education and Outreach This program strengthens grassroots efforts by engaging the general public, community leaders, interested organizations, and urban and community forestry professionals. California ReLeafs programs are designed to educate Californians about the value and benefits of trees as well as sound tree care practices. FY2024 Education & Outreach Accomplishments: Urban and Community Forest Economic Impact Study Begun in late 2021, California ReLeaf extended the third UF Economic Impact study due to slow response rates during COVID. The research is funded by CAL FIRE and will be the most up-to-date CAL FIRE-supported project to document the fiscal effects of local urban forestry-related jobs on Californias economy. The research team included California Polytechnic State University, North Carolina State University, and Virginia Tech. For more info, please visit: https://californiareleaf.org/about-releaf/research-project/California ReLeaf does the majority of its outreach communications via online platforms: email lists, social media, webinars, and the website. E-Communications Circulation: 1,500+ Recipients. Regular Email notifications were sent covering a variety of topics such as: Urban Forest Grant Opportunities, Arbor Week Art Contests, California Arbor Week Grants, webinars on drought and trees, urban forest tree canopy tools, tree care jobs, Learn Over Lunch Zoom events.Website Educational resources are shared via the ReLeaf website. The website has strong accessibility for all audiences due to the earlier adoption of the AccessiBe service which uses AI (Artificial Intelligence) to improve website accessibility with respect to languages and ADA compliance. The website now also hosts a sophisticated multi-language online translation widget called G-Translate, which provides ReLeaf website information in 100+ languages. Social Media Circulation: 7000+ Recipients. ReLeaf is very active in using multiple social media platforms to share urban forest issues of interest to community groups, government employees, and green industry professionals. Social media has been very effective in helping ReLeaf reach new community audiences. Webinars To access the ever-expanding library on YouTube of on-demand education and info on grants, tree care, trees and drought, and more please visit : http://californiareleaf.org/resources/webinars/ California Arbor Week In March 2024 California ReLeaf, the US Forest Service, and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) hosted the 2024 Arbor Week Press Conference at the Compton Creek Natural Park with support by the LA Conservation Corps. Speakers included representatives from the LA Conservation Corps, CityPlants, the City of Compton, CAL FIRE, the USDA Forest Service, Southern California Edison, Blue Shield of California, and California ReLeaf. The winning California Arbor Week Art Contest posters were unveiled and a celebratory tree planting was led by the LA Conservation Corps. Please visit the website to see updates on Arbor Week activities: https://californiareleaf.org/category/arbor-week/

California ReLeaf NetworkThe California ReLeaf Network is a statewide forum for the informational exchange, education, and mutual support of community-based organizations. The members have common goals of community development by planting and protecting trees, promoting community engagement and volunteer involvement, and fostering an ethic of environmental stewardship.The ReLeaf Network enables individual groups to use their collective power to improve the urban and community forests in their home towns for all Californians. Through membership in the Network, groups build their organizational and technical skills, share their enthusiasm, experiences and ideas, address issues of common concern, and work together to plant trees, promote tree care and community stewardship, and grow stronger communities throughout the state. 2023/24 Accomplishments of this program include: The Network includes over 90 members that vary from small groups of dedicated volunteers to larger nonprofit organizations with paid staff. Network members represent diverse demographics and a broad geographic reach throughout California. Network member organizations: - Planted 30,000+ trees - Cared for 60,000+ trees - Engaged 33,000+ volunteers giving 126,000+ hours of their time - Reached 40,000+ community members during 900+ outreach events Our Education & Communications Program Manager sent regular Network Updates to Network members throughout the year. These emails reached over 200 recipients and covered a variety of topics, including information about funding opportunities, upcoming conferences and workshops, research reports, job announcements and more. Online surveys were used to seek input from ReLeaf Network Member organizations on their accomplishments and concerns as well as their planting and volunteer activities.