Beginning in April, KYCC’s Environmental Services collaborated with USC’s Urban Trees Initiative to conduct research on the current tree inventory in the University Park area. Their research showed that 17,699 trees, over half of the trees in the neighborhood, are located on private property and only 8,215 street trees in public areas. As a result, USC, City Plants, and Los Angeles Sanitation have collaborated to plant 250 street trees in South L.A., specifically in the Adams-Normandie, University Park, and Exposition Park communities, with the goal of decreasing heat-related illnesses and enhance the tree canopy for community members.
The collaboration was initiated by the research discoveries of USC Urban Trees Initiative in University Park and South LA. The initial research and study primarily investigated shared spaces in schools, transit stops, and residential streets, highlighting the increasing concern of inadequate greenery in University Park, leading residents to breathe in higher levels of particulate matter caused by pollution and soot from the nearby freeways. Additionally, findings suggested that University Park faces elevated temperatures that could potentially be lowered by planting trees in public areas.
Supporting outreach for the project, KYCC plans to distribute flyers to residents, business owners, and property owners in the University Park and South LA areas, explaining the tree planting process and benefits of the increased number of street trees in their neighborhood. Additionally, flyers will be shared in community areas, and tabling events will be organized to promote awareness about the upcoming tree equity project. Two informative sessions will be conducted by KYCC to provide detailed insights into the project and engage more community members. Lastly, a Block Party event will be held to kick off the tree planting phase of the project and introduce local resources to the community.
At the South LA CicLAvia tabling event on June 23, there was enthusiastic engagement from over 100 participants. Around 30 potential tree planting sites have been identified, and flyers were distributed to CicLAvia participants from the area. Our focus now is on the outreach phase of the tree equity project in which we aim to engage with our communities, ensuring their voices and needs are heard and integrated into our plans. Educational materials will be distributed to raise awareness about the importance of tree equity and how it benefits not just the environment, but also the health and well-being of residents.
This project is funded by USC and LA Sanitation.
