by Laine Himmelmann
After three record‑breaking years of heat, trees matter more than ever — for our environment and our health.
California Arbor Week, celebrated annually March 7-14, encourages Californians to care for trees and recognize how they help cool neighborhoods, improve air quality, and support community health and resilience. This year’s California Arbor Week and Growing Green Communities tree-planting grants will support more than 20 grassroots urban forestry projects statewide.
Blue Shield of California joined California ReLeaf, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire), state and local leaders, and community members at Independence Park in Stockton to kick off Arbor Week with a community tree-planting event and celebration.
“Those of us in health care see firsthand how environmental threats like heat, poor air quality, and wildfires affect people’s health,” said Dr. Jennifer Nuovo, chief medical officer for Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan and member of the Blue Shield Green Advisory Board, who represented Blue Shield at the tree planting. “These impacts are magnified for low‑income communities, where pollution is often greater and access to solutions — like air purifiers or safe, green community spaces — is more limited. Trees are essential public health infrastructure.”
Engaging youth in environmental action
During the celebration, Dr. Nuovo announced the four winners of the statewide Arbor Week Youth Poster Contest for students ages 5-12. This year’s theme, “Trees Are Our Friends,” invited young artists to explore how trees make our neighborhoods cooler, healthier, and safer.
This is Blue Shield of California’s fourth consecutive year sponsoring the contest, coordinated by California ReLeaf in partnership with Cal Fire. After reviewing entries from across the state, a California ReLeaf committee selected four talented young artists to be honored:
- Thematic Award: Chaeyi Jung, Age 10, Brea
- Imagination Award: Yejin Kang, Age 9, Brea
- Technique Award: Avery Mack, Age 10, Los Gatos
- Naturalist Award: Chloe Seo, Age 8, Folsom
“Environmental change is a real source of stress for many young people,” said Baylis Beard, director of sustainability at Blue Shield of California. “But action and engagement matter. When youth plant trees, create art, or show up for their neighborhoods, it can help buffer climate anxiety and build a sense of agency and connection.”
According to the recent BlueSky Youth Mental Heath Survey, more than three out of four youth (78%) are concerned about climate change, but nearly all (99%) say they’ve taken at least one pro-climate action in the past year.
Environmental care as health care
Today, air pollution is estimated to drive $820 billion in U.S. healthcare costs each year — a reminder of why Blue Shield’s mission to ensure high-quality, sustainably affordable care for all Californians is more important than ever.
“At Blue Shield, we’re reducing emissions, greening health care through offerings like Virtual Blue, addressing climate anxiety, reducing paper to save trees, and proudly joining organizations like California ReLeaf,” said Dr. Nuovo. “This work is about protecting the planet, improving community health, and doing right by future generations.”
To learn more about California ReLeaf and California Arbor Week, visit californiareleaf.org/arborweek
To learn more about Blue Shield of California’s commitment to environmental sustainability and corporate citizenship, visit citizenship.blueshieldca.com
Thematic Award: Chaeyi Jung, Age 10, Brea
Imagination Award: Yejin Kang, Age 9, Brea
Technique Award: Avery Mack, Age 10, Los Gatos
Naturalist Award: Chloe Seo, Age 8, Folsom