Los Angeles Parks Foundation

Technology can be integrated into learning programs to expose children of preschool age to foundational literacy, mathematics, science, and social concepts. For many children, interacting with the games on a technology platform improves their ability to retain these skills. This grant will allow the purchase of iPads and accompanying software to enhance preschool children’s learning.

In response to the surprising growth of our experimental Miyawaki Forest in Griffith Park, LAPF is seeking to expand this model into additional Los Angeles city parks. This method was developed by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki during the 1970s to reforest areas that had been over-developed. Our project, which we believe is the first Miyawaki-style forest in Los Angeles, grew from tiny seedlings to 15- to 18-foot tall trees with dense understory plantings in less than two years with little watering. We are seeking to expand this initiative.

Los Angeles has more park acreage than any other city in the US, but our parks are threatened by climate change and ongoing drought conditions. The Los Angeles Parks Foundation will use an LA2050 grant to expand its Native Species Nursery, located in Griffith Park, to supply diverse, resilient native plant species for free to parks across the city for free. The project will also provide education to city park staff and the community at large to care for these plants and support the installation of a model Miyawaki Forest.