Welcome to the Adopt a Tree Program
For residents who live in downtown Fresno, this program is financed by the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District, thanks to AB617
Application Process to Adopt a Free Tree
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- Complete an Adoption Interest Form below, or either by telephone or in person at any community event
- Forms will be available at all community meetings and events or by calling the CCEJN office at 559 939-1977
- Tree Fresno and CCEJN will review all interest received forms to ensure that those who apply reside in the AB 617 designation
CCEJN will contact all residents who qualify, and an appointment will be made to define and select the area of the tree and coordinate the planting. “Tree Adopters” will receive assistance in identifying the best location for planting their tree, including calling 811 & the city; and an Adoption Kit which includes all the necessary materials for successful tree planting.
AB617 Boundary
AB617 Qualifying Boundary
City of Fresno residents who reside in the AB 617 grant-awarded designated AB 617 areas of Fresno are eligible to receive a free tree from the Adopt a Tree program.
Why Fresno needs trees
The Fresno Metropolitan area has one of the worst air qualities in the United States, ranking among the top five most polluted regions. The city’s landscape and traffic contribute significantly to air pollution, posing a major challenge for locals.
The Adopt a Tree initiative emerged from public input collected in various community meetings, aiming to boost tree coverage in local neighborhoods. This program, supported by the Central California Environmental Network (CCEJN) and Tree Fresno, is funded by the San Joaquin Air Pollution Control District AB 617 Program. With almost 40 years of experience, Tree Fresno, a nonprofit, will lead the Community Tree Planting project. They will collaborate with CCEJN and partners to identify suitable sites and commence tree planting.
The Central California Environmental Justice Network (CCEJN), established in 1999, initially focused on Kern, Tulare, and Kings Counties. Recognizing similar challenges throughout the entire San Joaquin Valley, the network expanded. CCEJN will take charge of community outreach and engagement with various groups and residents.
The Community Tree Planting Project aims to enhance tree coverage in public areas within the AB 617 zone, characterized by some of the highest air pollution levels in Fresno.
Program Benefits
The Adopt a Tree program will offer 5-gallon trees to residents. They may also request 15-gallon trees to plant on the park strip, the city of Fresno property. Assistance provided includes:
- Identifying the best location to plant their tree, including calling 811 and the city of Fresno
- Adoption Kit:
- Tree and stake
- Fertilizer packages
- Tree irrigation system (“honeycomb”)
- Compost bag
- Illustrated step-by-step instructions on how to plant a tree correctly
- Irrigation log book and tree maintenance plan
- Tree Adoption Certificate
What this means to our community
Trees offer many physical benefits; they lower temperatures and clean the air. They make communities more vibrant and create connections between neighbors. Trees are a cornerstone of environmental justice and can offset some of the negative impacts of decades of discriminatory planning practices in marginalized communities.
Eligibility Requirements
To fulfill grant obligations eligibility requirements are required for all City of Fresno residents who reside in the AB 617 grant-awarded designated AB 617 areas of Fresno are eligible to receive a free tree from the Adopt a Tree program. A 5-gallon drought-tolerant tree will be provided to each qualifying household. Not all city of Fresno residents will qualify for the Adopt a Tree program. Only residents residing in the AB 617 designation are eligible to participate in the program. Everyone is encouraged to apply but there is no guarantee that the application will be selected for the Adopt a Tree Program. Residents who do not qualify for the program will be referred to another organization that may have a free tree program.
In Spring 2023, the Valley Air District awarded Tree Fresno $1 MM to implement the urban greening project throughout South Central Fresno. The Valley Air Urban Greening Project is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide initiative that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment – particularly in disadvantaged communities. The project will fund 1,200 5-gallon trees for residents living in the AB 617 Boundary of South Central Fresno. In addition to residential trees, 500 community 15-gallon trees will be planted. awarded Tree Fresno $1 MM to perform urban greening throughout South Central Fresno. Click (here) on Tree Fresno’s website to LEARN MORE about the Valley Air Urban Greening Project! Residents who live in the designated AB 617 area of (SOUTH CENTRAL) Fresno are eligible to receive a free tree from the Adopt A Tree program. A 5-gallon drought-tolerant tree (limited species) will be provided to each qualifying household in South Central Fresno (only). Please contact the Central California Environmental Justice Network – CCEJN‘s Urban Greening Coordinator Julio Lopez at julio.lopez@ccejn.org OR message through FB for more information.