[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 11]
[Senate]
[Page 16157]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                     TREE FRESNO'S 25TH ANNIVERSARY

 Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I ask my colleagues to join me in 
celebrating the 25th anniversary of Tree Fresno.
  The genesis of Tree Fresno can be traced to a group of residents who 
had gathered during Fresno's Centennial in 1985 to explore ways to 
improve the city. This group of civic-minded residents determined that 
the planting of trees would beautify the city and create more livable 
and walkable neighborhoods.
  The idea to beautify Fresno through the planting of trees was met 
with great support and enthusiasm from the community as evidenced by a 
telethon that netted $27,000--funds that provided seed money for Tree 
Fresno's maiden project that resulted in the planting of trees in 
downtown and the city's vibrant Tower District.
  Over the past 25 years, Tree Fresno has spearheaded and successfully 
completed a number of community-wide efforts that have led to the 
greening of the greater Fresno area. Throughout the years, Tree Fresno 
has grown the tree canopy on local school campuses and along some of 
the major thoroughfares in Fresno such as Blackstone and McKinley 
Avenues. On one remarkable day in 2000, thousands of Tree Fresno 
volunteers planted 4,400 trees in and along an abandoned rail corridor 
between Fresno and Clovis.
  In addition to the planting of trees, Tree Fresno has also been 
instrumental in educating the public about the importance of 
responsible environmental stewardship. Through programs such as Tribute 
Trees, Trees for Campuses and Kids and the Junior Board of Tree Fresno, 
the organization has made an indelible impact on raising the overall 
environmental awareness and efficacy of the residents, especially the 
young people, of Fresno and surrounding communities.
  The many accomplishments of Tree Fresno over the past 25 years are a 
testament to the vision of its founding members, the dedication of its 
staff and the support and commitment of thousands of volunteers and 
supporters who have given so generously to help make Fresno a better 
place to live.
  It is my pleasure to congratulate the board, staff and many friends 
of Tree Fresno for 25 years of environmental leadership in the greater 
Fresno area. I send my best wishes for many more years of continued 
success.

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