[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 12] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page 17368] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]HONORING THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF TREE FRESNO IN FRESNO, CALIFORNIA ______ HON. JIM COSTA of california in the house of representatives Tuesday, September 28, 2010 Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Tree Fresno on the occasion of their 25th anniversary celebration. Tree Fresno has made a significant impact on the community of Fresno by promoting environmental stewardship programs and educating the community on the importance of preserving the environment. During their quarter-century of work, Tree Fresno has been responsible for planting over 37,000 trees in the greater Fresno area. Tree Fresno was founded in 1985 during the city of Fresno's centennial anniversary by a group of concerned citizens dedicated to improving the local environment and preserving green spaces. Initial efforts from this group came to fruition in the form of a telethon raising $27,000 which was used to purchase trees to be planted in the downtown and Tower District areas. While Tree Fresno's primary focus is on preserving green space in the community of Fresno, educational programs remain an important aspect of Tree Fresno's mission. Educational and stewardship programs such as Trees for Campuses & Kids and the Junior Board of Directors help teach Valley children the value of green spaces and caring for the environment. The Trees for Campuses & Kids program, which has planted over 4,100 trees on Fresno County school campuses, is only one example of the great services Tree Fresno provides to the community. Community support, including endowment and membership programs, has helped Tree Fresno accomplish a variety of projects in the Fresno community. Examples of these initiatives include the planting of 500 trees along the McKinley Avenue Canal Bank and 939 trees on Blackstone Avenue, as well as partnerships such the ``A Shade Better'' program with Pacific Gas & Electric which allowed for 400 trees to be provided to homeowners to reduce energy costs. Through their efforts, Tree Fresno has planted over an average of a thousand trees a year in Central California. Tree Fresno also continues to make progress on the Friant Oak Loop-Scenic Highway Beautification and Reforestation Project and the Master Urban Parkway Plan which will create a network of over 200 miles of urban trails and connect schools, parks, and recreation areas. In honor of Tree Fresno's 25th anniversary, they are launching a new endeavor called the ``Real Green'' program which aims to plant 100,000 trees over the next 10 years in partnership with organizations in the Fresno area. Tree Fresno's 25 years of advocacy for green spaces has contributed immensely to making the Central Valley a better place to live, work and raise a family. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Tree Fresno on the occasion of their 25th Anniversary and applaud their tireless work and enormous contributions as they continue their mission to preserve green space and provide environmental education for the community of Fresno. ____________________