Shade Trees for Southern California's Deserts

The Shade Trees for Southern California's Deserts project is a three-year urban forestry initiative administered by the Imperial Irrigation District. The project aims to plant 6,000 15-gallon trees across Imperial, Central Riverside, and Eastern Riverside counties, specifically targeting disadvantaged communities and underrepresented demographic groups to provide environmental, social, and economic benefits. To ensure a balanced community impact, the planting strategy allocates 50 percent of the trees to residential homes and 50 percent to public spaces. The scope of work encompasses urban forestry planning, planting, maintenance, community engagement, and the promotion of urban forest education and stewardship to stimulate local economic growth. The project is funded by a CAL FIRE grant request totaling 2,975,163.00 dollars. It is classified as a categorical exemption under 14 CCR Section 15304 for minor alterations to land, as the work consists of new gardening and landscaping without the removal of healthy trees. Administrative oversight is provided by the Imperial Irrigation District, with key project coordination handled by Jeremy Brooks and Sabrina Barber. The initiative is categorized under NAICS code 561730 and is focused on improving the environmental landscape of the southern California desert regions.