SAN FRANCISCO (PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX) — Esurance, the direct-to-consumer personal car insurance company, announced its latest environmental initiative.

In conjunction with its environmental partner Friends of Trees, Esurance will help plant trees and restore natural areas on the South Portland Riverbank this Saturday.

The tree planting with Friends of Trees in Portland is the latest in a series of environmental initiatives that Esurance has supported in the Pacific Northwest. On November 10, Esurance sponsored Carbon Offset Day in Seattle, resulting in the planting of over 3,000 native plants and shrubs in a single day.

"Esurance is very proud to work with Friends of Trees in Portland," stated Kristin Brewe, Esurance's Director of Brand & Public Relations.

"Trees and other greenery face some significant challenges in our urban environments, which is why Esurance has supported numerous urban forestry projects across the US over the past several years. Friends of Trees does great work in the Portland-Vancouver area, and we're happy to help with that."

Although the Pacific Northwest is known for its vast expanse of trees and natural areas, urban forests throughout the US, particularly those in low income areas, are declining faster than they can be replanted.

Community-focused efforts of organisations like Friends of Trees help combat our nation's urban tree deficit, improving the quality of life in urban and suburban areas.

Commented Scott Fogarty, executive director of Friends of Trees, "Esurance's support will help us continue Portland's tradition of being a green city. With more Americans than ever before seeking ways to help safeguard our environment, it's promising to see companies like Esurance dedicating resources to the tree planting programs of Friends of Trees and other worthwhile organisations."