February hints at signs of spring in San Diego. Trees begin to bud, narcissus and other fragrant bulbs perfume the air, the aloe vera are in full bloom and cool weather crops can be planted in pots or gardens. Thoughts begin to turn to picnics and beach walks, and SEAC begins to plan for Earth Fair.
Our January SEAC meeting featured Carolyn Chase, founder of Tree Watch San Diego. Carolyn shared with us that because trees are not replaced at the same rate as they are removed, the urban tree canopy is shrinking. In 2014 there was a 12.8% decline in trees. Some of these trees are heritage trees which are more than 50 years old. This is in part due to more ADUs (accessory dwelling units or "granny flats") being built in backyards, and to zero-foot setback requirements being allowed for some new buildings.
Neighborhoods such as Barrio Logan, which did not have tree canopies to begin with, are now being surveyed by the city to identify where to plant and how to sustain trees. Increasing the tree canopy in portside communities is also part of the Port of San Diego’s new Maritime Clean Air Strategy.
The city of San Diego currently has 200,000 public trees and 48,000 palm trees, which are actually not considered trees. Trees are critical in the absorption of greenhouse gas emissions, creating cool zones, buffering noise and making urban areas more walkable. Studies have shown that access to green space reduces anxiety and raises physical health.
Tree Watch San Diego provides three ways to support trees - plant one, finance one, or provide a location for a tree to be planted. Five gallon trees are available. Their goal is to plant 100 trees per neighborhood every year. More information is available attreewatchsd.org.
The February 15 SEAC meeting will be primarily devoted to EarthFair 2022 planning. Please join us and help plan for EarthFair on Sunday, April 24, in Balboa Park. We need volunteers at the fair for two-hour shifts. Some ideas under consideration for our EarthFair theme are: Trees and the Urban Canopy, the People’s Ordinance, and Water. Of course we will also have our LWVSD information on new voting centers.
In the meantime, treat every day like it is Earth Day!
Zero Waste Tips
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Plant a tree and commit to its care
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Invest in cloth produce bags for fruit and vegetable purchases
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Use loose leaf tea instead of tea bags which contain microplastics
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When possible, buy in bulk or from bulk bins
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Meal plan to avoid food waste and extra trips to the store
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Ask for reused packaging material for online orders