LOS ANGELES – According to the Department of Parks and Recreations, the First Supervisorial District has been identified as an area lacking in trees. In an effort to diversify green spaces, encourage healthy neighborhoods and active lifestyles, the Board of Supervisors voted today to approve a motion, by Chair Hilda L. Solis, to allocate $1 million to the San Gabriel Valley Conservation Corps’ Tree Planting Program.
“Our goal is to create healthier neighborhoods, especially for those most vulnerable in our communities. Trees provide cooler areas by up to 10%, help conserve energy and reduce the carbon footprint,” said Chair Solis. “The program will increase existing shade coverage and create greener streets that encourage people to walk and exercise, establish green buffers and focus on other multi-benefit greening opportunities, including storm water capture.”
The program is a youth-led, community centered effort focused on planting trees along roadways and parks in four unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County’s First Supervisorial District: East Los Angeles, Walnut Park, Bassett, and Valinda. The program focuses on integrating both education and training of at-risk youth and at-risk young adults. 90 participating youth will take part in the establishment of trees and community outreach to encourage residents to have trees planted in front of their homes. Additionally, they will also receive a stipend, heightened appreciation for the natural environment, education, mentorship and an understanding of “Green Jobs” in the public and private sector.
San Gabriel Valley Conservation Corp member, Irvin Barragan added, “We hope this program sparks interest in invasive species and green spaces. Most importantly, we want to make sure at-risk youth are seen in a different light, it’s a win-win for everyone.”
The San Gabriel Valley Conservation Corps’ Tree Planting Program will partner with six community based organizations to recruit youth and inspire local residents to care for their trees. Over 50 miles of roadway will be assessed for street tree planting with thousands of new trees being added in communities. Additionally, Chair Solis and Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas called for agreements to work with all Conservation Corps to help the County and Metro perform services such as landscaping and maintenance.
