Housing Authority and nonprofit North East trees is teaming up for another year to kick off the Environmental Stewardship program. In the next three weeks, ten youth from San Fernando Gardens public housing community will be planting 300 trees at their site. The program started last year with 23 young adults who received classroom training on urban forestry methods. They used their skills to plant 700 shade trees at Nickerson Gardens and Imperial Courts public housing communities.
This year, during the two-week program, participants will learn hands-on training about irrigation systems, different plants, trees and how to care for them.
Aaron Thomas, with North East Trees says each site is unique and he truly enjoys teaching and motivating youth about landscaping.
“They [students] take pride and are really appreciative of having these trees.” said Thomas.“I like the outdoors and I want to learn everything I can about trees.” said Diana Caradoza, 20. She was carrying the trees to the preset location and getting ready to plant them. She is excited about her new skills as it will prepare her for a career in green industry, landscaping or a similar field.
Jesus Mejia, 20 said “It’s a workout, keeps me healthy, and it’s going to look good here in the community.”
The National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) awarded HACLA an Award of Merit for it's "Trees and Green Careers Take Root in South LA" program. The award was specifically for Imperial Courts and Nickerson Gardens communities.
Photos: Aaron Thomas, North East Trees instructor guiding the youth, planting one of the first trees in San Fernando Gardens, Diana Caradoza getting help to carry the tree to a dedicated location for planting.
