The LA Tree Sustainability Initiative, spearheaded by the Koreatown Youth + Community Center (KYCC), is set to extend its reach throughout Los Angeles County.
Within a month of the project’s launch, the goal of planting 1,000 trees a year in various parts of LA has materialized into 3,000 trees in three years, and the areas of planting have become clear.
“Since the announcement of the LA Tree Sustainability Initiative in September, we have not limited our planting efforts to Koreatown but have also targeted other LA County regions where green spaces are sparse,” stated Steve S. Kang, Director of External Affairs. “Our objective entails planting a cumulative of 3,000 trees within the forthcoming three years.”
“We’ll focus on neighborhoods with a disproportionate ratio of green spaces to population, including South L.A., Pico-Union, and the Palms area,” Kang added.
KYCC is collaborating with LA City Council offices and MYLA311, the city’s issue-reporting service, to pinpoint precise planting locations.
KYCC informs that local residents are encouraged to dial 311 to propose a site for tree planting. Once the proposition is made, 311 will convey the details to KYCC, and subsequent to an evaluation, the planting will proceed.
To date, KYCC has gathered funds amounting to $650,000, with contributions including $500,000 from SM Entertainment’s founder and ex-executive producer Lee Soo-man and $100,000 from Korean supermarket H-Mart. The aim is to secure an additional $350,000 within the next year, culminating in a $1 million total.
“This initiative aligns with a broader ambition to plant 90,000 trees across Los Angeles by 2028, instigated by former Mayor Eric Garcetti,” said Kang. “This citywide project encompasses five environmental groups, with 60,000 trees already rooted. KYCC continues its commitment to the cause, providing free trees in various communities, Koreatown included.”
In addition to these efforts, KYCC has a legacy of planting over 10,000 trees at no cost in LA since the 1992 Los Angeles riots. Since this project’s commencement in September, 41 trees have been planted in Koreatown as of October 31, with a plan to introduce 200 more by year’s end.
To contribute to the initiative, please visit:
[secure.givelively.org/donate/koreatown-youth-and-community-center-inc/los-angeles-tree-sustainability-initiative].
BY YEJIN KIM, JUNHAN PARK [kim.yejin3@koreadaily.com]
