Nonprofit Receives Grant to 'Releaf' Local Neighborhoods

The Federation of San Rafael Neighborhoods awards a local nonprofit $1,500 to plant 15 trees this year, according to Federation Vice Chair Tymber Cavasian.

Since the city’s budget strings tightened in 2008, Marin Releaf and a local tree advisory committee has advised staff on existing and future street trees. Each year, the organization has to  find funding for plantings since they do not receive money from San Rafael.

“Trees are necessary to urban life for fresh air and clean water aspects,” Cavasian said in a statement. “Have you noticed the black soot on the trunks of trees along major road ways?  Imagine that in our lungs!”

Marin ReLeaf, headed by San Rafael resident Sandra sellinger, has planted over 15,000 in Marin County since they first began in 1991. With a membership of 200 people, they plant 15-gallon trees, each costing around $100.