For Immediate Release: October 5, 2021

SMUD Director Sanborn celebrates California Clean Air Day with Kiwanis Club

Clean air day news release logos

Area leaders will plant 12 trees at community center in Carmichael

Thousands of Sacramento residents, businesses, schools and government agencies are coming together to clear the air in their communities for the 4th Annual California Clean Air Day. Among the many actions that are encouraged are planting trees.

SMUD Director Heidi Sanborn, who is a member of the Sacramento Clean Air Day Working Group, Kiwanis Club of Carmichael and co-chair of the Giving Tree committee, will be joined by local leaders, and community volunteers on the 4th Annual California Clean Air Day this Wednesday for a tree-planting event at La Sierra Community Center.

WHAT:      Tree planting in Carmichael for Clean Air Day

WHEN:      TOMORROW, Wednesday, October 6 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

WHERE:    La Sierra Community Center, 5325 Engle Road, Carmichael

WHO:        SMUD Director Heidi Sanborn, Sacramento County Board Supervisor Rich Desmond, Kiwanis Club of Carmichael, Carmichael Recreation and Park District, Sacramento Tree Foundation, and other members of the community

Director Sanborn drafted a grant application to receive a $1,000 micro-grant from the Coalition for Clean Air on behalf of the Kiwanis of Carmichael, and they were awarded the grant to plant trees to clean the air.

“The planting of these shade trees will not only beautify and cool our public gathering areas, but they also are nature’s way to remove carbon from the air and protect us from the effects of climate change,” Sanborn said. “Through our actions today, we are ensuring the next generation has a cleaner, greener community for generations to come.”

The event is co-sponsored by SMUD, Kiwanis Club of Carmichael Foundation, Sacramento Tree Foundation, Coalition for Clean Air, and the Carmichael Recreation and Park District.

Volunteers will plant 12 shade trees at the 36-acre La Sierra Community Center, which is co-located with the California Montessori Project K-8 School in Carmichael.

Carmichael Recreation and Park District will use a rented auger, paid for by the grant, to dig holes for the trees, which are provided by the Sacramento Tree Foundation. Park staff will ensure long-term irrigation and care for tree health. SMUD supports the Sacramento Tree Foundation so they continue to provide free trees to SMUD customers. Additionally, eight SMUD staff are donating their time to help plant the trees.

Made possible in part thanks to funding from SMUD, an estimated 2 million individuals and 600 organizations are expected to take part in the 4th annual California Clean Air Day. Californians can help clean the air by taking the Clean Air Pledge at CleanAirDay.org.