Project to plant trees

IMPERIAL — Seventeen trees will be planted at the new Cambria Park in Imperial in the near future as part of the city’s participation in the Imperial Valley Urban Forest Project.

The 17 trees are among the 150 total that the city will ultimately receive and distribute throughout its parks through the Urban Forest project.

The city is currently reviewing a list of 19 different tree species to ensure those selected will be the most beneficial to the community, said Ember Haller, Imperial Community Services director.

“Trees contribute to the human and environmental health of a community offering advantages such as heat stroke protection, cleaner air, stress relief and more,” Haller said in a written statement. “Planting trees beautifies our neighborhoods while helping our residents feel better and enhancing their quality of life.”

In addition to the trees, the city will be participating in a Tree Stewardship Program sponsored by the nonprofit Tree San Diego and open to the public on April 6, at the Community Services Center, 124 W. Ninth St.

To register for the workshop, please contact (760) 355-3316 or email communityservices@ cityofimperial.org

Aside from the city of Imperial, Holtville Brawley, Calexico and El Centro are also participating in the Imperial Valley Urban Forest Project.

The project is made possible by funding awarded in February 2018 by the Cal Fire Urban Forest Expansion and Improvement Grant Program.

As part of the nearly $5 million project, El Centro will receive about 400 trees, with Calexico and Brawley set to receive about 350.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate,” City Manager Rosanna Bayon Moore stated in an email.

Holtville is expected to receive about 150 trees total, similar to Imperial.