Trees coming to the Imperial Valley
300 trees to be planted across the Valley - News 11's Wiley Jawhary tells you how to get one of your own
IMPERIAL, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) - The Imperial Irrigation District (IID) is getting ready to plant trees in the Imperial Valley to bring clean air and shade to the communities. Anyone who pays an IID bill is able to get free trees. This effort is to encourage healthier neighborhoods and improved air quality.
JB Hamby is the board of directors vice president for the IID who drafted the initiative. He sent it for approval to the board of directors. Not only did they approve it, but the directors will be participating in planting trees for their respective districts.
The first tree was planted this morning in front of the IID building.
"Each of the directors are planting a tree in their respective divisions… here in El Centro I’m planting this California Sycamore tree. Other directors are planting theirs in SDSU, Calexico, Brawley pay stations," he said.
IID says its commitment is to enhance homes, neighborhoods and inspire energy conservation. Hamby wanted more than just honoring Arbor day; he wanted action, and the action started with Hamby planting a California sycamore tree in El Centro.
"The bigger picture here is that IID is committing to planting trees to show we are interested in energy conservation," he said.
The Imperial County Board of Supervisors also announced the New River project last week. Although the projects are different, the end goal is the same: clean water and clean air. Jesus Escobar is on the board of supervisors. He tells us that the mission to clean the air is collective among community leaders.
“We as a collective group, the IID, the County of Imperial and City of Calexico… are trying to tackle this on a local perspective,” he said.
As for Hamby, his excitement for planting trees stems from a desire to conserve energy. Hamby is one of the youngest IID vice presidents to be elected back in December. If you pay an IID bill, you’ll be able to plant a tree of your own. The district plans to launch this initiative in the fall.
