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2024 Grants Challenge

Million Trees for Los Angeles

Get ready to green up LA! The Malibu Foundation's "Million Trees" initiative is an exciting endeavor to revolutionize Los Angeles County’s landscape by planting 1 million trees using the innovative Miyawaki method by 2030. This novel project is set to turbocharge urban greenery, elevate air quality, and expand community access to lush, vibrant green spaces.

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What is the primary issue area that your application will impact?

Green space, park access, and trees

In what stage of innovation is this project, program, or initiative?

Pilot or new project, program, or initiative (testing or implementing a new idea)

What is your understanding of the issue that you are seeking to address?

Los Angeles County is grappling with daunting challenges like stifling urban heat islands, subpar air quality, and a stark shortage of public green spaces, which hit underserved communities the hardest. These pressing issues not only compromise public health but also diminish the overall quality of life. Embracing the groundbreaking Miyawaki method, our project is poised to transform these urban areas into cooler, cleaner, and greener havens, fostering a healthier, more sustainable environment for all

Describe the project, program, or initiative this grant will support to address the issue.

The "Million Trees" initiative is a dynamic and transformative project designed to infuse life into Los Angeles County’s urban fabric. Utilizing the cutting-edge Miyawaki method, known for its ability to grow forests 10 times faster and 30 times denser, we're bringing rapid, dense greenery to areas thirsting for canopy cover. This project is all about community collaboration—engaging local residents, schools, and organizations in the tree planting process to nurture a deep-rooted connection with nature and instill lasting stewardship. By integrating hands-on educational outreach, we're not just planting trees; we're growing a greener future and empowering communities to keep it flourishing for generations. Let’s dig in and make LA the leafiest, liveliest place to live!

Describe how Los Angeles County will be different if your work is successful.

If our "Million Trees" initiative flourishes, envision Los Angeles County transformed into a vibrant urban oasis. Streets will be lined with flourishing trees that act as natural air filters, dramatically reducing pollutants and offering cleaner, fresher air. This lush canopy will cool the urban areas, reducing the need for air conditioning and saving energy. Picture green spaces becoming community hubs where neighbors gather and children play, enhancing physical and mental health. Our urban forests will also become thriving habitats for diverse wildlife, turning LA into a dynamic ecosystem brimming with life. These changes will make LA not just a place to live but a place to thrive, with nature and urbanity in harmony, fostering a resilient, healthier community for all. Through these transformations, Los Angeles will stand stronger against climate extremes, ensuring a sustainable future.

What evidence do you have that this project, program, or initiative is or will be successful, and how will you define and measure success?

The Malibu Foundation's "Million Trees" initiative is gearing up to dynamically measure its burgeoning impact on Los Angeles County! Here’s how we’ll chart our success:
Thriving Trees: We’re on a mission to see our planted trees flourish, aiming for a stellar 90% survival rate within the first year. Cleaner Air: Breath fresher air as we target a 15% improvement in air quality around our microforests, monitoring reductions in pollutants like NO2 and particulate matter. Cooler Cities: We’re measuring a drop in temperature by up to 5°F in our greened-up areas, beating back the urban heat with every new tree. Community Roots: Success is 500+ locals each year, hands in the dirt, learning urban forestry management through our engaging educational programs. Biodiversity Boost: Bi-annual wildlife and plant diversity checks ensure our urban forests are teeming with life.
Watch as we transform LA one tree at a time, creating greener, cleaner, and cooler communities. Let’s make LA leafy!

Approximately how many people will be impacted by this project, program, or initiative?

Direct Impact: 500.0

Indirect Impact: 5,000.0