Educational Goal 1

Community participants learned first-hand how to perform data collection required to understand forest health and watershed conditions. As part of environmental science field learning – students gathered data at each event site on the number, size, species, water use, habitat, storm water, and heritage values and trees and native understory planted. They developed hands on understanding of which data is critical to collect and monitor to manage our urban forest and students gained insight into the environmental justice issues that link public health with tree canopy and the importance of canopy equity within all communities.

Educational Goal 2

Participants used the tree index data gathered in Goal 1 to Monitor and support the establishment process of young trees planted at Emerald Necklace Sites and to understand the health of the urban forest. We learned about adaptive management relative to water supply challenges, pest and invasive weed management and young tree care. Program activities helped empower participants to become active participants in community greening and informed stewards of their natural environment.

Educational Goal 4

Emerald Necklace Watershed Stewardship Events to promote service learning collaboration between local schools and communities. Over 2600 students from elementary school through community college participated in events were they met peers, embraced practical STEM principals and worked together to create and care for natural infrastructure elements and the Urban Forest. Participants served their community through active and collaborative engagement in multi benefit urban greening as they were exposed to inspiring careers in the natural infrastructure field. Participants hailed from 4 elementary, 8 middle, 28 high school, 4 community colleges, 6 universities, 4 churches, 10 service groups in the San Gabriel Valley and Gateway Region.

Emerald Necklace Stewardship Events & Career Pathway/Leadership Opportunities fulfill Education Goals 1, 2, and 4. Goal 1: Participants learned data collection techniques on forest health and watershed conditions, understanding the importance of canopy equity in urban communities. Goal 2: They used tree index data to monitor the health of newly planted trees and supported urban forest management, empowering them as active community stewards. Goal 4: Over 2,935 community members participated and collaborated, learning practical STEAM principles and engaging in urban greening and natural infrastructure projects across various community groups. Nature Trips fulfill Goals 1 and 4. Goal 1: Participants explored the ecology, history, and watershed management of trip sites in the Los Angeles area, engaging in hands-on learning about local ecosystems. Goal 4: These trips targeted underserved communities, promoting healthy lifestyles and encouraging public appreciation of outdoor spaces.

In addition to long standing partnerships with Los Angeles County Public Works and  Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation who permit our events – we have been very engaged in connecting and forming meaningful relationships with local public school districts  and service groups

We’ve expanded our partnerships to include a new trip pick-up site at the Jeff Seymour Family Center in El Monte, near Dorris Dann Kids Campus, for Outdoor Equity Trips. We’re also working with El Monte’s Mountain View School District to encourage participation next year. Our collaboration with the California Climate Action Corps team, hosted by Amigos, has helped us scout trip sites, create bilingual social media, and co-host events at El Monte and South El Monte Libraries and the El Monte Community Center. We partnered with Mountain View High School’s environmental science class for our Switzer Falls trip and will continue this next year. As founding members of the Nature for All Collaborative, we share trip info with groups like Sierra Club, API Forward, and Active SGV. Our College Corps members benefited from Service Learning/Career/ Leadership opportunities by helping lead Stewardship Events and Nature Trips and sharing trip information to their circles.

Post Pandemic there is an urgent need to foster civic culture and provide students and community members meaningful outdoor activities. Younger students love the opportunity to be stewards of trees and students of all ages enjoy collaborating with each other and with community members.

From the six trips held so far, we’ve learned key lessons: Participants of all ages whom mainly come from El Monte and South El Monte, with families and retirees. For many participants, experiencing this type of nature-based recreation site within the forest or at the beach was a first. We faced challenges with differing hiking skill levels and varied interests with regards to recreation vs education. We have split into multiple groups in response to the needs of participants. The most successful trip in terms of integrating education into the hike was at Malibu Creek State Park, where the State Park interpretive staff provided professional bilingual translations and a shorter hike, allowing for more educational engagement which incorporated interactive educational materials. For future trips, partnering with local organizations like CA State Parks and Mt Wilson Observatory staff will enhance educational outcomes.