Youths to Plant Thousands of Trees in San Gabriel Valley

LOS ANGELES, CA — The Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved $1 million for a tree planting program employing at-risk youth in East Los Angeles, Walnut Park, Bassett and Valinda.

Supervisor Hilda Solis proposed allocating the money to the San Gabriel Valley Conservation Corps.

"Our goal is to create healthier neighborhoods, especially for those most vulnerable in our communities. Trees provide cooler areas by up to 10 percent, help conserve energy and reduce the carbon footprint," Solis said.

The youth-led, community-centered conservation group, which focuses on education and training of at-risk youth and young adults, will offer stipends to 90 participants.

One member said he hoped the planting program would spark interest in invasive species and green spaces, but highlighted a bigger goal.

"We want to make sure at-risk youth are seen in a different light. It's a win-win for everyone," said Irvin Barragan.

The San Gabriel Valley Conservation Corps will partner with six community-based organizations to recruit youth and inspire local residents to care for trees planted in front of their homes. More than 50 miles of roadway will be assessed for street tree planting and thousands of new trees are expected to be added.

Solis and Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas also proposed striking agreements with the California, Los Angeles, San Gabriel and Long Beach Conservation Corps to provide up to $2 million a year in landscaping, maintenance and water conservation services to the county over the next five years.

Both proposals were approved by unanimous consent.

— City News Service, photo via Pixabay