Earth News . . . SD Celebrates National Arbor Day All Year Long — with Free Trees! National Arbor Day—the official date was April 29—and that's when the San Diego Regional Energy Office launched the great tree giveaway. In cahoots with People for Trees, they're racing to give away more than 17,000 FREE trees to San Diego County homeowners, apartment building owners, condominium associations, and K-12 schools before March '06. The purpose of the program is simple: trees create shade, shade cools buildings, and cool buildings require less air conditioning and, therefore, less energy. So trees save energy. They also enhance neighborhood appearance, increase property values, reduce storm runoff, and improve local air quality. Depending on property size and estimated energy savings, San Diego County residents can get up to five full-sized, 15-gallon nursery-quality trees, and primary and secondary schools can receive an unlimited amount. There are over 20 varieties of trees to choose from, including jacaranda, magnolia, pine and many other varieties, all paid for by SDREO's Cool Communities Shade Tree Program. Irene Stilling, SDREO's Executive Director said, “We still have 3400 trees to plant in schools and more than 10,000 trees to plant at homes and multifamily buildings. These trees are sturdy, long-lasting trees that cool the interior and exterior of homes and can reduce residential electricity costs by more than $150 per year.” To participate, all you have to do is sign a participation agreement and attend a short workshop on proper planting and tree care. Visit http://trees.sdenergy.org or call 888/831-8620 (English) or 800/805-2294 (Spanish) to request information by mail.

The 15th Annual Very Important Planet Reception to be held on Thurs, May 19.

The annual VIP Reception is an evening of celebration, acknowledgment and fun. This event brings together individuals from government, private industry and nonprofit organizations, as well as private citizens – representatives of the diverse elements of the environmental community.

The event starts at 6:00 pm with a Buffet Dinner and Silent Auction. The awards program begins at 8:00pm, when the City of San Diego Waste Reduction and Recycling Awards will be presented. Supervisor Pam Slater will then present the Air Pollution Control District Clean Air Awards. Finally, the San Diego EarthWorks E.A.R.T.H. Awards will be presented.

The VIP Reception will be held at The City of San Diego Department of Environmental Services “Green Building,” 9601 Ridgehaven Court, San Diego. Tickets are $40/person, $75/couple, $10/child and blocks of 10 are $350. To purchase tickets for this event, visit www.earthdayweb.org or call (858) 272-7370.

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