Summer is here. Our winter wardrobe has been placed in the back of the closet and the air conditioner is fired up. And in times like these, there is not anything more appealing than shade.

Shade is exactly what the Sacramento Tree Foundation (STF) offers. They have been collaborating with the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) more than 15 years to provide Sacramento area residents free trees to create shade, reduce heat expose and help conserve energy.

The Foundation has been working with businesses, homeowners, schools and parks to reach their goal of planting five million new trees by the year 2025. To reach that goal, the organization has developed a map called the “Greenprint.” It helps the foundation expand the region’s trees, enhance the landscape and provide cleaner air.

That’s where SMUD comes in.

In the early 90’s SMUD began to move away from their large plant operations and look toward green energy opportunities and developing a number of efficient resources. During this time, the foundation had begun planning and developing planting shade trees throughout Sacramento County. So the two teamed up.

Their work is not be possible without their team of volunteers, according to Foundation officials. Volunteering, they say, is easy, a great way to get involved with your community, help a great cause, gain experience and meet new people. (The Foundation is happy to accommodate your work and a school schedule, which makes it more convenient to join the cause.)

Elizabeth Munoz, 25, of Sacramento is a recent addition to the Foundation’s volunteer team. She came across the foundation in her search for an internship related to her major. Munoz is an American River College student pursuing a degree in the Landscape industry. She is going through training and is looking forward to helping residents plant their first tree.

“I’m unbelievably excited to get out there,” says Munoz. “I can’t put my finger on it, but it just makes you feel good.”

SMUD and STF are happy to share a partnership providing trees to Sacramento area residents. By planting trees in specific locations, residents are conserving energy and keeping their air conditioner bill low. SMUD offers residents up to 10 free trees.

Getting a tree is easy. All you need to do is contact the Foundation and schedule an appointment with a community forester. They’ll select the right tree for you and plant it for you as well.

If you are interested in learning more about STF, becoming a volunteer or receiving free trees, the links below are helpful in getting started with this great cause.

The Sacramento Tree Foundation (STF) organization- http://www.sactree.com/default.aspx

Making a donation- http://www.sactree.com/doc.aspx?22

Becoming a volunteer - http://www.sactree.com/doc.aspx?19

Receiving free trees- http://www.sactree.com/doc.aspx?25