About Marin ReLeaf
Board of Directors
|
Sandra Sellinger Founder of Marin ReLeaf and President/Executive Director since 1991; has developed programs leading volunteers in the distribution and planting of over 15,000 trees primarily in Marin, but also the Northern Bay Area. Studies include landscape architecture with emphasis in trees at UC Berkeley. Successfully led campaign for creation of a Tree Advisory Committee in the City of San Rafael.
|
|
Randy Mason Certified Public Accountant with extensive experience in financial operations. Mr. Mason worked with many non-profit organizations during his seven years in Public Accounting. Since leaving Public Accounting, Mr. Mason has served in various finance positions within private Companies.
|
|
Dave Duncan retired; MBA, MS; previous board experience-Marin Audubon, Friends of Richardson Bay Sanctuary, Audubon Canyon Ranch, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, presently Ocean Riders-Treasurer, working member of the Marin Civic Engagement Leadership Team, and Western Association of Schools and Colleges, graduate of The Environmental Forum of Marin.
|
|
Dan Kida Certified Arborist for over 10 years and is a member of the Western Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture. Also holds a Utility Specialist certification and is a member of the Utility Arborist Association. Currently in 2nd term as president of FIRE Safe Marin. |
|
Art Tyson Board Certified Arborist with Bartlett Tree Experts.
|
Advisory
| Jimi Scheid Forestry Assistant II, Urban Forestry Program San Francisco Bay Area, CalFire. |
| Ed Hulme Superintendent Marin County Parks |
| Mike Greene Bartlett Tree Experts, Manager of Marin Sector |
| Marisa Hoke
|
| Dave Hattem Chief of Landscape Services, Marin Civic Center |
| Peter Rieks Web Design & Development |
Vision & Goals
Overview
The Marin ReLeaf organization was founded in 1991 in San Rafael, California by its present Executive Director, Sandra Sellinger. Since its inception, Marin ReLeaf has grown to a membership base of 200 people. Through the work of the Executive Director and numerous dedicated volunteers, Marin ReLeaf has planted over 15,000 trees throughout Marin County’s various communities. Marin ReLeaf has also been successful in establishing a network with local governments, state agencies and other environmental groups to promote the appreciation and protection of trees.
Urban trees play a critical role in environmental protection due to their natural ability to store carbon and thereby reduce greenhouse gases, a contributing source of global climate change. In addition, trees enhance the quality of life for all community members by providing shade, beauty and enjoyment. Current local policies provide inadequate protection for the preservation and planting of urban trees. Marin ReLeaf is the only local organization dedicated to urban forestry and the protection of trees in Marin County. To succeed, Marin ReLeaf will ultimately depend on the good will and efforts of the people living and working in Marin County communities.
Marin ReLeaf is a 501(c)3 organization and is a network member of California ReLeaf and the California Urban Forest Council.
Purpose
The purpose of Marin ReLeaf is to improve the quality of life in Marin County communities by promoting awareness of the benefits of urban forestry and by engaging community members in the appreciation and protection of trees in urban habitats. Marin ReLeaf is dedicated to planting trees in public spaces and providing education and advocacy programs for Marin communities.
Core Values
An organization’s core values are essential to its success. Marin ReLeaf’s core values are:
- To act with integrity in all interactions with stakeholders, including donors, community members, government representatives, network partners, board members, staff and volunteers.
- To serve as a community leader, educator and advocate regarding the protection and appreciation of trees.
- To work collaboratively with others in pursuit of Marin ReLeaf’s vision and goals.
- To be financially responsible by acting as a trusted and effective steward of resources and by creating a financially sustainable organization.
Vision
The vision of Marin ReLeaf is to expand and sustain thriving urban forests in all Marin County communities. Through this vision, Marin ReLeaf can reduce air pollution, conserve energy, improve water quality, combat global climate change, provide beauty, and enhance the quality of life for the communities of Marin County.
Goals
The short term goals for Marin ReLeaf over the next three years are:
- Create a solid organizational structure to ensure sustainability of the Marin ReLeaf organization.
Create a governance plan for the organization.
Determine the skill sets needed to support the organization’s purpose and vision.
Recruit and assemble a Board of Directors.
Identify and recruit the staffing and/or volunteer resources needed for the organization.
Assess physical space needs and identify options for office space.
- Develop a financial plan that ensures the financial sustainability of the organization.
Determine funding needs.
Identify and pursue funding opportunities.
Promote paid memberships.
Identify and pursue opportunities for in-kind support and other resources.
- Provide programs and services in support of Marin ReLeaf’s purpose and vision.
Provide a tree planting program for public urban spaces in Marin communities.
Provide educational programs to local school districts and other community members to engage people in the appreciation and protection of trees, and to create future generations of sound urban forestry decision makers.
Provide advocacy and outreach to local government leaders and other key community members regarding the development and adaptation of programs and policies to support the planting and protection of trees.