South Central Fresno businesses have an opportunity to receive free large-canopy, drought-tolerant shade trees through a $3 million urban greening initiative administered by Tree Fresno.
According to an announcement from the nonprofit, the program is supported by two Valley Air District grants intended to improve air quality through urban greening and vegetative barriers. Tree Fresno is inviting local business owners to an informational meeting Wednesday, Oct. 21, to learn about the program and determine whether their properties qualify.
The one-hour meeting begins at 4:30 p.m. at OK Produce. Attendees are asked to RSVP before Wednesday to receive instructions for entering the facility.
What is Tree Fresno offering local businesses?
Q: What can eligible businesses receive?
Tree Fresno is offering large-canopy, drought-tolerant shade trees at no cost to qualifying businesses in South Central Fresno.
Businesses can work with the organization to develop a free tree planting plan for their property. In some cases, the program can also provide irrigation extensions.
Q: How much funding is available for the program?
Tree Fresno received $3 million in Assembly Bill 617 urban greening and vegetative barrier funding through the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District, also known as the Valley Air District.
The funding comes from California Climate Investments, a statewide initiative that uses Cap-and-Invest revenue for projects intended to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, strengthen the economy and improve public health and the environment.
Which Fresno properties qualify?
Q: Which businesses are eligible?
Properties within the designated South Central Fresno program boundary qualify geographically, according to Tree Fresno.
Businesses can check their property’s location using the program’s interactive boundary area map.
Geographic eligibility does not necessarily establish qualification for every aspect of the program. Interested property owners are encouraged to contact Tree Fresno about requirements.
Q: What types of properties have participated?
Tree Fresno said it has worked with businesses, schools, parks, churches, residents, Caltrans and other property owners.
The organization reported planting projects ranging from a single tree to installations involving 694 trees.
Why does the program matter to Fresno businesses?
Q: What is the goal of the initiative?
The program is designed to expand urban tree coverage and vegetative barriers in South Central Fresno, with an emphasis on improving air quality.
For qualifying commercial property owners, the funding provides an opportunity to add shade trees without bearing the cost of the trees or planting plan.
Q: How long will the program remain available?
The grant funding period ends in June 2027.
Tree Fresno continues to seek eligible properties within the designated area for future planting projects.
How can businesses participate?
Q: What will be discussed at the Oct. 21 meeting?
Tree Fresno will provide an update on where trees have already been planted in South Central Fresno and where future plantings are planned.
Business owners will also have an opportunity to ask questions about eligibility, planting plans and participation.
Q: How can business owners RSVP or request information?
Business owners can contact Mona N Cummings, CEO of Tree Fresno, at mona@treefresno.org or 559-221-5556.
More information about the funding initiative is available through the Valley Air District’s AB 617 Community Air Protection Program.
Tree Fresno will continue working with eligible South Central Fresno property owners on potential tree planting projects before the grant period concludes in June 2027.
