Youth Plant Native Trees in Santa Monica

Over the next few months you may notice teenagers decked out in yellow safety vests and doing some good.

Since February, the city of Santa Monica's resumed planting trees as part of the Tree Planting Partnership grant with the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD). The city, one of 38 local governments awarded this grant a couple of years ago, will use its funding to plant 1,000 California native trees on public property by this September.

The grant requires temporary employment of youth, so the Community and Cultural Services Department used its youth programs at Virginia Avenue Park to promote the opportunity.

Nine youth are currently employed to plant trees. “It makes me feel good when I get complimented by people on the street for the work that I’m doing," said David, a Santa Monica resident.

Alex, another local youth, is having fun on the first job he’s ever had. “It’s hard, but it doesn’t feel like work. We’re fortunate to have this job.”

Monte, a local youth with prior work experience, commented that “this job is more rewarding because I get to help the environment and the community.”

Last month, California sycamores, Torrey pines, redbuds, and Monterey pines were planted around the city in places such as Clover Park and along Dewey Street near Marine Park. To date, over 500 trees have been planted through the partnership. 

To learn more about the city of Santa Monica's urban forest, please visit santamonicatrees.com or check out our Facebook page