It is said that sometimes it takes a village… a truism when folks come together to create great things, especially on Earth Day!

Over 140 volunteers showed up to help plant 150 trees at the Section 9 Parking Lot in Fern Dell on April 22nd. We had a very special planting in that these trees will replace some of the trees lost during the five-year-long drought, and the trees are also part of an experiment designed to help them survive during the upcoming hot months.

After a few words from LA Rec and Parks Griffith Superintendent Joe Salaices and FOGP volunteer coordinator Laura Howe, the very large group divided up into smaller groups to learn the process of planting trees. Then everyone got to work!

Griffith Park neighbors worked with students from area schools including Cleveland Humanities Magnet (9th grade class) who showed up with their instructor, Mr. Fuentes in tow. There were also students from Cal Poly Pomona, Campbell Hall, and LA Conservation Corps, plus individual volunteers from across the city who showed up to get their Earth Day bonus points.

Many thanks go out to Tracy James and Stefanie Smith from Rec and Parks for working full bore to make this project happen, and thanks also to LADWP for providing trees and the biodegradable donuts to help these tiny trees get a leg-up.

Finally, thanks to all who came out despite the 90+° temps and stayed until every tree was planted! Great job.

photos by Laura Howe and Tracy James