BALDWIN PARK, Calif. — Baldwin Park is set for a greener future thanks to a significant award of over 700 trees aimed at providing shade and improving air quality for its residents. This initiative, called in partnership with TreePeople, Active San Gabriel Valley (SGV), and the U.S. Forest Service, is designed to enrich the local environment and help the community tackle the escalating challenges of climate change and extreme heat.
The project is underpinned by the USDA Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Inflation Reduction Act Grant Program, which will grant the city 500 fruit trees for private residential yards and an additional 250 trees for City right-of-way areas. The drive to increase the area’s tree canopy is a strategic effort to foster a healthier, sustainable environment that benefits everyone in Baldwin Park.
Mayor Alejandra Avila expressed her enthusiasm about the initiative, stating, “I am thrilled that Baldwin Park has been selected to receive over 700 trees as part of this transformative initiative. This partnership allows us to not only combat the challenges of climate change and extreme heat but also to enhance the quality of life for our residents.”
TreePeople, along with Active SGV, is rallying local support and volunteer involvement to ensure the success of the project. Plans are in place to involve community members directly in the tree planting efforts, which are crucial for building a resilient urban forest capable of withstanding higher temperatures and providing much-needed shade.
Marcos Trinidad, TreePeople’s Senior Director of Programs, highlighted the overarching goals of the initiative, saying, “Tree canopy is crucial to cooling urban centers and saving lives. Our goal is to plant trees, build community resilience and empower residents to take control of their environment.”
The timing of these efforts coincides with key community events, turning environmental action into a series of community-building opportunities. Baldwin Park will host a fruit tree giveaway during the optimal planting season. Furthermore, a Street Tree and Fruit Tree Event is scheduled for April as part of the city’s Earth Week Community Beautification and in June during the City’s Wellness and Nature Walk.
These upcoming events are not only a chance for residents to contribute to their city’s greenery but also an opportunity to engage in a collective effort towards a more sustainable lifestyle. Residents can look forward to the early part of 2025 for more detailed information on the scheduled tree giveaways and related activities.
This tree planting initiative is a step forward in Baldwin Park’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability, with immediate benefits for air quality and climate resilience that will last for generations.
