Make Your Voices Heard: Urban Forest…Stand Up for Trees

Did you know that you actually live in an urban forest? 

An urban forest is made up of a network of publicly and privately-owned trees and forests in and around cities. At its core, the urban forest connects, nourishes and optimizes the health and functionality of the city and those who dwell in it.

Unfortunately, LA’s urban forest is often seen by some as merely street trees or parks that simply add beauty. Therefore, the real value of the urban forest is not fully recognized so it does not receive enough funding, protections, or maintenance it needs to thrive and protect the lives and health of all Angelenos.… Read more >>

These Heat Waves Kill

They say some like it hot, but as the first significant heat wave of the season hits this week, many Angelenos will wish it was winter.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each year extreme heat causes more deaths in the United States than all other weather-related causes combined. In LA, the average five-day heat wave results in 4.1% more deaths than cooler weather on the first day, and 11.9% more on the fifth day.

Realistically, the coming heat event will result in some Angelenos going to the emergency room…and others dying at home.… Read more >>

Turning the Tides on LA’s Forest and Water Future

At TreePeople, creating and driving policy is critical to our impact.

Energized by victories on the $4 billion State Park Bond and the Residential Stormwater Property Tax Incentive and over $20 million of funding for urban forestry at both state and city levels, we’re accelerating our determination to transform people’s relationship with water and City’s urban forestry approach to people.

TreePeople’s leadership at the city, county and state levels continues to result in innovative and transformative changes. TreePeople is a trusted voice on environmental issues – we educate policymakers and shape laws, programs and budgets that support healthy forests, capture needed water and result in more climate-ready communities.… Read more >>

A Wildfire Safety Guide

The increasing threat of wildfire is Southern California’s new climate reality and it’s impossible to ignore.

Hotter summers and drier winters lead to more events like the 2017 Thomas fire – the largest wildfire in California history that wreaked havoc well outside the range of what used to be fire season.

With this season’s rain totals being over 65% below normal, the fire outlook for the rest of 2018 is looking increasingly dire.

In times like these, it is imperative that residents who live in fire-prone areas stay prepared.… Read more >>

The 4 D’s: Dead, Diseased, Damaged, or Deranged!

Dead, diseased, damaged, or deranged – think this is not the description of a horror film character? Guess again!

At TreePeople, and in the field of arboriculture, they are known as the 4 D’s. It is the simple way to remember what to prune out of a tree to help ensure it is happy and healthy!

To Prune or Not to Prune

More often than not, trees are over-pruned. Unfortunately, most people believe that a tree must be pruned every year – like getting a haircut.… Read more >>

10 Reasons Why You Should Volunteer MORE!

By now we know that climate change is causing more frequent extreme weather events. Let’s face it: it’s no fun living in a city where our forecast is either drought or flood.

Just this month, Angelenos have seen multiple fires pop up around our county and the summer heat is just beginning.

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So what can you do, you ask?

Well, you can volunteer with TreePeople this summer; or take the next step and become a TreePeople Restoration Supervisor or Volunteer Supervisor and help create a greener and healthier LA for everyone.… Read more >>

Let Me Tell You About the Data and the Trees

4,700 volunteers at 231 forestry events…236,839 students touched by campus projects…more than 700 volunteers caring for our park…1,981 trees planted and more than 9,500 plants nurtured…

There is a lot going on at TreePeople, to say the least. And that means a lot to track and plan so that we can handle it all – with success!

Trees Count on Us, so We Count Our Work

When most people think of nature, they tend not to think of a database. Data, however, is an integral part of all our work.… Read more >>

Environmental Learning Takes Root at Vena Ave. Elementary

Take a minute to think about your average school playground here in LA.

Chances are what you’re envisioning more closely resembles a long-forgotten parking lot  – a barren, treeless expanse of cracked blacktop that fades into a mirage as the sun beats down upon it. This is a far cry from a welcoming and hospitable environment for children to learn.

It doesn’t need to be like this.

Study after study has shown the importance of nature and green spaces in the lives of children – from improving memory and cognition, increasing attention span and lowering aggressive behavior, to protecting their developing bodies from harmful pollutants.… Read more >>

Time to Plan, Not to Plant!

Are you thinking about finally getting around to replacing that brown lawn in your front yard?  

Thinking of taking advantage of LADWP’s Cash for Grass rebate?  

Envious of your neighbor that already has a climate-ready garden?

Well, take a breath… the hot, rainless months of summer are coming, and they are not the best time to plant. Instead, it is a great time to plan the garden you’ve always dreamed of!

Do Your Homework

Before you start designing your garden, follow these four steps to get to know your landscape a little better:

  1. Determine your climate zone.
… Read more >>

We Call Her Big Mama Oak

We call her Big Mama Oak.

Most hikers in Coldwater Canyon Park probably don’t know her by name, but I am well acquainted with her. She has likely been a resident of our park for somewhere between 200 and 300 years.

Coast live oaks (Quercus agrifolia), like Big Mama Oak, can live to be 850 to 1,500 years old!

From providing food and shelter to countless animal species to cleaning the air we breathe, helping store water and combat erosion, these oaks are the cornerstone of our local ecosystems.… Read more >>