Growing Green Together in Jefferson Park

On Saturday, October 18, KYCC’s Environmental Services, along with community members, volunteers, and partner organizations gathered at 6th Avenue Elementary School in Jefferson Park for a vibrant Community Tree Planting. This event was part of a larger effort led by the South LA Tree Coalition and the Los Angeles Sanitation & Environment to expand green spaces and strengthen environmental equity in South Los Angeles.

As part of the BeLeaf in Equity grant, the newly planted street trees will receive three years of establishment care provided by KYCC, including regular watering, mulching, and restaking to ensure long-term health and growth.

Inspired by the vision of Theresa Maysonet, co-founder of the South L.A. Tree Coalition, the event also celebrated the evolution of a community-based fruit tree adoption initiative, originally launched at a neighborhood resource fair. What began as a small effort to provide residents with fruit trees has now grown into a larger project that includes street tree planting and volunteer engagement, amplified through Los Angeles Sanitation & Environment’s partnership.

The Jefferson Park Community Tree Planting showcased the power of collaboration and community engagement. Residents and volunteers came together not only to plant trees but also to learn about the importance of urban forestry—how green spaces can improve air quality, provide much-needed shade, and strengthen neighborhood pride. 

A group of students from our Bridge Program ranging from middle school to high school, also joined the effort, bringing youthful energy and enthusiasm to the planting day. Guided by their Bridge Coordinator, Jackie, the students worked together to plant trees and learn about the importance of environmental stewardship.

Through this event, the South LA Tree Coalition, Los Angeles Sanitation & Environment, and community partners demonstrated how collective action can transform urban spaces into healthier, greener, and more connected neighborhoods for generations to come.

South LA Tree Coalition continues to champion the increase of South LA’s tree canopy by supporting and advocating for sustainable green infrastructure that reflects community-specific needs. Los Angeles Sanitation & Environment participation was made possible through its BeLeaf in Equity grant—funded by the Department of Agriculture Forest Service, which focuses on planting shade trees near schools and other public spaces through active community collaboration