How Citizen Forestry Creates New Memories

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As TreePeople’s Urban Forestry Manager, it’s my job is to help communities organize and run tree plantings, usually in their neighborhoods.

The first event I ever supported was fantastic but, admittedly, challenging. By the time our volunteers were ready to plant the last tree of the day, I could tell that the team’s energy was beginning to fade. I put on my cheeriest and most encouraging face, ready to pump the crew up, only to be upstaged by something unexpected.

Three small siblings who lived in the adjacent house had come out to see what we were doing, and asked if they could help.… Read more >>

4 Plants that Heal — And How to Use Them!

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People have been using plants for our health and well-being for thousands of years–even to this day. For instance, we consume super foods like avocados or goji berries to strengthen and nourish our bodies. But how often do we overlook these plants when we’re sick?

Some plants–even those abundant in our landscapes–have been known for their healing properties by people around the world for centuries. Incorporate them into your garden this year and improve your wellness!*

Rose

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Rosa californica; Photo credit via Las Pilitas Nursery

Roses offer us all kinds of relief–whether sipping rose hip tea or spritzing rose water.… Read more >>

What My TreePeople Internship Taught Me

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I’m what most Angelenos would consider a “rural person.” Let me rephrase that. I was born and bred in Michigan. Hence I’ve always considered myself nature-savvy. I need green space to feel at home.

I started interning at TreePeople because wherever I go in LA, I’m always reimagining streets and neighborhoods with more trees and lush canopies. After a month of interning here, I’ve come to learn so much, especially in the unique context of Southern California.

Here’s my list of the most mind-blowing facts I’ve learned so far:

There is a wrong way to plant trees.

… Read more >>

Mediterranean Cities: Where Climate Adaptation Action Happens

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Did you know that Southern California is not a desert? That’s a common misconception!

Our region is actually one of just five regions in the world with a Mediterranean climate, which lends to cool, wet winters, and hot, dry summers. Even though the world’s Mediterranean zones are far-flung–including Southern California, central Chile, the Western Cape of South Africa, parts of Australia and the area surrounding the Mediterranean Sea–these regions have plenty in common.

As the world’s climate changes, forecasts show that Mediterranean-zone cities will experience an increase in extreme weather patterns, including droughts and flooding.  … Read more >>

City Setting NEW Cooling Target for LA

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Good news! The Los Angeles City Council recently passed a motion to establish a “cooling target” for the City– in other words, it will soon be setting a target to cool the city and reduce the urban heat island effect in order to protect LA from the impacts of climate change.  

TreePeople was able to play a role in inspiring this progressive motion, thanks to our partnership with work translating solutions from Australia to work for LA.

Councilmember Felipe Fuentes joined TreePeople on our delegation tour to Australia, to learn about drought solutions developed during their 12-year Millennium Drought.… Read more >>

The DO’s and DON’Ts of Compost

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It’s Compost Awareness Week!

Compost offers tons of benefits for your landscape. It enriches the soil, delivers nutrients to plants and keeps water in the ground to help fight drought. Who knew healthy soil could do so much?

Compost is made from food scraps and organic matter, which contain lots of nutrients and water which would otherwise be wasted. In fact, 25% of our nation’s water is wasted on food that will be thrown out. Turning waste into rich compost is a great way to combat many environmental problems at once.… Read more >>

4 Highlights from Earth Day Soiree

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We’re so proud to share that our first ever Earth Day Soiree was a huge success! We were thrilled to be joined by our dedicated supporters who share our vision for a greener LA. Here are some of our favorite highlights:

Our Lead Certified Arborist, Linda Eremita, was our resident Dr. Tree–taking people’s tree questions and handing out “prescriptions” for care!

We were joined by many of our friends, including legendary guerrilla gardener Ron Finley.… Read more >>