In 2022 TreePeople continued to adapt to our changing times; we were able to center our purpose around the communities we serve through a return to connecting with people face-to-face, classroom-to-classroom, and volunteer-to-volunteer, in addition to providing online resources and education. TreePeople’s Coldwater Canyon Park is once again welcoming groups of excited schoolchildren to experience Eco Tours live, and connect with LA’s natural environment. Our Generation Earth educators are visiting classrooms in campuses across the region, to create learning opportunities for older students in waste reduction, water conservation, and urban forestry. And our staff are working with thousands of volunteers to plant trees, restore our landscapes, and engage our communities.
2022 was a stark reminder of the immediate climate change impacts we face, especially in our underserved communities who are on the “front line” of climate-related effects. As we feel the impacts of an ever-evolving climate landscape, such as extreme heat, intense storms and flooding, and unpredictable wildfires, we are reminded of the importance of building resilient communities. Severe storms across California ended the year, creating major flooding, and emphasizing the importance of stormwater capture. Extreme heat continued to scorch densely-populated areas with triple-digit temperatures for days at a time. In fact, California now holds the dubious distinction of hottest recorded September day on the planet (127 degrees on September 6, 2022 in Death Valley).
Amplifying the needs and effects of climate change on Los Angelenos, TreePeople brought our voice to the state Capitol, and our policy makers listened. We were able to make very significant progress to increase state funding for school greening, extreme heat, and urban forestry.
Through such a period of dynamic change, one aspect remains a constant across all programs: TreePeople continues to center our work on people and equity. TreePeople’s team, funders, volunteers, and partners have been wonderfully supportive, helping us lead equitable natural solutions through transformative projects and opportunities in communities where opportunity has not historically existed.
To learn more about TreePeople’s work, view TreePeople’s 2022 Impact Report which can be found here. If you’re interested in helping TreePeople continue the this vital effort, consider becoming a sustaining member of The Canopy, TreePeople’s monthly giving program. As a Canopy member, you help provide us with dependable support that goes directly towards our tree plantings, environmental education, and climate resiliency work.