On November 9, 2024, KYCC’s Environmental Services collaborated with the USC Urban Trees Initiative and LA Sanitation to kick off the USC Trees project in the South L.A. and University Park community. In April 2024, the USC Urban Trees Initiative teamed up with KYCC Environmental Services to provide establishment care and maintenance for a total of 250 trees through 2028.

Since 2020, the USC Urban Trees Initiative has brought together greening and air quality experts, local government agencies, and community organizations to plant trees in areas of need throughout L.A. Research shows that University Park tends to have higher temperatures, compared to some nearby neighborhoods, and the presence of trees can help lower these temperatures while offering cooler outdoor public areas. On average, the concentrations of particulate matter found in this neighborhood were roughly 77-88% higher than in other census tracts in California. Most census tracts within University Park experience at least double the levels recommended by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (2021) and the World Health Organization (2021).

Through this project, USC Urban Trees Initiative, KYCC, and LA Sanitation organized a community event that offered resources centered on urban greening. This initiative promoted community engagement in the care and upkeep of the newly planted trees while also advocating for sustainable maintenance practices.

A total of 75 individuals attended the event, with 40 volunteers participating and assisting with tree planting on the day of to kickoff the initiative. 

“I was happy to see so many volunteers planting trees, and learn how KYCC contributes to the community and the environment,” says Valerie, KYCC Community Engagement Intern.

“The partnership between KYCC, LASAN and USC is invaluable as it highlights the importance of collaboration in urban greening,” says Angelic Perez, KYCC Community Engagement Coordinator. “Each of us was thrilled to join forces and commit to increasing the access to shade with research-backed data that addresses the unique barriers of University Park and the South LA area. The data from USC helped guide the tree site selection and communication with the community, further deepening our impact towards tree equity.”  

Following the successful launch and block party, KYCC’s Environmental Services will maintain and care for the trees planted in the community until 2028.

Special thank you to our community partners USC Urban Trees Initiative and LA Sanitation