For Immediate Release	Contact:	Michael Simonsen
February 27, 2003		619-236-6616 619-884-7335 Cell

Councilmember Donna Frye Plants 100 Trees on Morena Boulevard

Trees will provide beautification and shade to area

San Diego, CA- Today and tomorrow, Councilmember Donna Frye will oversee the planting of 100 trees in the Morena area. The planting, in conjunction with the City of San Diego Streets Division, Urban Corps of San Diego and People For Trees, will provide the Morena area with 100 15-gallon Jacaranda trees stretching from the 1600 block through the 2500 block of Morena Boulevard.

"I believe it is crucial to our community that we always do whatever we can to provide the addition of trees throughout our neighborhoods," commented Councilmember Frye, "By continuing to plant trees throughout the district, we not only beautify the community, but also help to abate the problem of urban heat islands and assist in the prevention of unnecessary runoff. Planting trees along public streets has even been proven to slow the speed of traffic passing through the neighborhood, thus contributing to the safety of our community."

Councilmember Frye has committed $4,500 to ensure that the trees are properly maintained and watered over the next three years. "It is a really wonderful thing to plant trees within a community," said Councilmember Frye, "but it is crucial that the trees are maintained and cared for throughout the first three years after the initial planting, otherwise the trees may not survive." The trees are being planted through Can You Dig It, a state funded program intended to encourage the planting of trees throughout communities.

Councilmember Frye has been a vocal advocate of beautifying our neighborhoods by creating an urban forest. She has been active in the effort to plant trees in District Six by targeting Ashford Street and Lindbergh Park in Clairemont and Mission Village Drive in Serra Mesa for sizeable plantings.

Urban Corps of San Diego is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide job training and educational opportunities to young adults, in the fields of conservation, recycling and community service which will assist youth in becoming more employable, while protecting San Diego's natural resources and installing the importance of community involvement.

People For Trees is a community-based group adhering to a philosophy of public betterment and environmental awareness. Through community plantings, stewardship, and education, People For Trees works to create a greener, cooler, more harmonious environment for the benefit of all and healthy urban forests, now and for future generations.

# # #