Stater Bros. continues environmental efforts with “Reforest California” campaign

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. Stater Bros. Markets was a participant in the “Reforest California” campaign in a unique public-private partnership between the supermarket chain, California State Parks and the Coca-Cola Bottling Co.

The campaign, which wrapped May 21, raised funds to replant more than 1 million trees in state parks recently burned by wildfires. The campaign was designed to plant native trees over the next four years at Cuyamaca Rancho State Park near San Diego and Chino Hills State Park in San Bernardino County.

At the event, Jack H. Brown, Stater Bros. chairman and CEO, and Terence Fitch, VP and general manager of the Coca-Cola Bottling Co. of southern California, presented a check to the state of California to underwrite the reforestation program. Part of those funds will be used for fire prevention educational signage at five California state parks: Cuyamaca Rancho, Chino Hills, Silverwood Lake, Mount San Jacinto and Palomar Mountain State Parks.

“Wildfire has significantly impacted our natural resources in recent years, but the Reforest California campaign – the largest reforestation project to date at state parks – will help replant damaged parklands and restore forest areas to healthy levels,” said Mike Chrisman, secretary for Natural Resources. “This level of stewardship would not be possible without the tremendous public-private partnership between parks, Coca-Cola and Stater Bros.”

Brown spent six summers as a camp counselor at YMCA Camp Marston. Camp Marston is only 10 miles from Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, where the “Reforest California” dedication ceremony was held.

“Spending summers at Camp Marston is a memory I return to often,” stated Brown. “It was a happy and carefree time where I learned about leadership, teamwork and the beauty of nature. I am especially pleased that Stater Bros. was able to take part in the ‘Reforest California’ campaign that will now give back to this wonderful area that was so heavily impacted by recent wildfires.”