TreePeople is a prominent non-profit environmental organization based in Southern California, passionately dedicated to fostering a greener, more sustainable urban and natural environment. Their core mission revolves around inspiring and empowering individuals to take active roles in environmental stewardship, primarily through planting and caring for trees, advocating for rainwater harvesting, and working to renew depleted landscapes.
What We Do: Shade Equity
Key Pillars of TreePeople's Work:
- Urban Greening and Reforestation: TreePeople mobilizes thousands of volunteers, educators, and students to actively plant and care for trees in urban spaces, along streets, and in parks, transforming concrete landscapes into thriving green oases. They also work on mountain reforestation efforts, particularly in areas impacted by wildfires.
- Rainwater Harvesting and Water Conservation: Recognizing Southern California's water challenges, TreePeople champions "rain harvesting" solutions. They educate communities on how to capture and utilize rainwater for landscaping, reducing reliance on imported water and helping to recharge local groundwater supplies. This includes promoting permeable surfaces, rain gardens, and cisterns.
- Community Engagement and Education: A cornerstone of their approach is community involvement. TreePeople organizes numerous events, workshops, and educational programs to engage residents, teaching them about the benefits of trees, sustainable landscaping, and water conservation. They focus on empowering individuals to become "eco-conscious leaders" within their own neighborhoods.
- Youth Education: They have a strong emphasis on youth education, working directly with schools to create green spaces and provide hands-on learning experiences for students. This aims to instill a sense of environmental responsibility and connection to nature from a young age.
- Land Management and Stewardship: TreePeople actively stewards thousands of acres of land, including managing the popular Coldwater Canyon Park in Beverly Hills. Their work extends to maintaining the TreePeople Land Trust, ensuring the long-term health and vitality of these natural areas. This includes efforts in wildfire resilience and the management of invasive plant species to protect native ecosystems.
- Science-Based Policy and Research: Beyond on-the-ground work, TreePeople conducts research to gather data and insights that drive science-based policy changes. They aim to influence urban planning and environmental regulations to promote more sustainable practices across the region.
- Resources and Support: The organization provides valuable resources to the public, such as a native plant guide, to help individuals make environmentally sound choices for their own properties. They also offer opportunities for public support through donations and purchases, enabling their continued efforts.
Founded in 1973 by Andy Lipkis, TreePeople began with a humble mission to help residents plant trees after a severe drought and has since grown into a leading environmental force. Their efforts contribute significantly to combating climate change, improving air quality, reducing the urban heat island effect, enhancing biodiversity, and building more resilient communities throughout Southern California. They embody the philosophy that simple individual actions, when multiplied across a community, can lead to monumental environmental benefits.
