SAN DIEGO, March 1, 2024 – Eager to roll up their sleeves and dig for a greener future, students from the Julian Union School District (JUSD) and San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) partnered for a tree-planting event on Feb. 29. The occasion brought together local volunteers from the Iipay Nation of Santa Ysabel, Wild Ones San Diego, Julian Pathways, students, teachers and SDG&E employees with a common purpose: to support local biodiversity and help reduce the risk of wildfires in the community they cherish.
Tree planting is crucial in mitigating the risk and impact of wildfires by creating natural barriers and reducing the spread. By enhancing vegetation management practices, such as planting native trees strategically, removing invasive or highly flammable grasses and maintaining healthy forests, communities like Julian can lower the risk of wildfires and protect the environment for future generations.
"This event contributes to a greener and healthier environment and fosters environmental responsibility while honoring cultural connections to the land, allowing students to engage in authentic community-based conservation projects," said Felicia Hill, San Diego Wild Ones board member and former JUSD educator. "We are thrilled to collaborate with SDG&E and our students on this important initiative, which also promotes wildfire prevention through responsible native tree planting."
SDG&E is committed to sustainability and community partnerships and recognizes the significance of proactive vegetation management in safeguarding against the threat of wildfires. By supporting initiatives like the tree planting event at Julian High School, SDG&E aims to raise awareness about the importance of environmental conservation and collaborative efforts in building resilient communities.
"We could not be prouder of these students and our school partnership in organizing this tree-planting event as part of our ongoing commitment to wildfire prevention and community safety," said SDG&E Area Forester Jason Starkey. "Together, we can positively impact our environment and take proactive steps towards reducing the risk of wildfires in the region while promoting local biodiversity in the communities we call home."
The tree planting event at Julian Junior High School signifies a collective effort to promote environmental sustainability, enhance wildfire resilience and strengthen community bonds. Participants, volunteers and supporters are invited to join hands in making a tangible difference in safeguarding the local environment and building a more resilient community for generations to come.
Planting 10,000 Trees a Year
Planting trees is a key element of SDG&E’s sustainability strategy, a comprehensive blueprint to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, foster energy innovation and conservation and encourage employees and communities to take daily action to support a sustainable future for generations to come. One bold goal that SDG&E set in October 2021 was to plant at least 10,000 trees each year to support local biodiversity and promote environmental stewardship throughout the region. The company is on track to meet that goal by the end of the year, and supporting similar events is just one of the many ways SDG&E is helping plant the right trees in the right places. In 2023, SDG&E surpassed its sustainability tree goal, planting more than 1,440 trees throughout the service area.
About SDG&E:
SDG&E is an innovative energy delivery company that provides clean, safe and reliable energy to better the lives of the people it serves in San Diego and southern Orange counties. The company is committed to creating a sustainable future by increasing energy delivered from low or zero-carbon sources; accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles; and investing in innovative technologies to ensure the reliable operation of the region’s infrastructure for generations to come. SDG&E is a subsidiary of Sempra (NYSE: SRE). For more information, visit SDGEnews.com or connect with SDG&E on X (formerly Twitter) (@SDGE), Instagram (@SDGE) and Facebook.