Planting the Roots for a Sustainable Future: An Interview with TreePeople
The full interview transcript can be found here.
Courtesy of TreePeople
“I think people who grew up in California have more tolerance for apocalyptic notions. However, mixed up with this tolerance for apocalyptic notions in which the world is going to end dramatically is the belief that the world can’t help but get better and better.”
Nearly six months after the devastating Palisades and Eaton Fires, Los Angeles is still left with the scars of the vicious flames that burnt over 55,000 acres and destroyed 16,251 homes and businesses in a span of a week. Last January, the Santa Ana winds blowing at 50-70 mph coupled with the drought-ridden terrain caused ruthless fires to rip through the city. Although L.A. has always had a history with wildfires and dry weather, climate change has intensified all the necessary ingredients to kindle this monstrous fire.
However, as Didion observed, Californians are innately optimistic that things will “get better,” even in the face of catastrophe. The hope and resilience of the L.A. community is best seen through the efforts of grassroots and nonprofit organizations who have helped the city heal. One historic organization that has played a significant role in dealing with wildfire recovery and fortifying the city against the rising impacts of climate change is TreePeople.
Established over 50 years ago, TreePeople began from a simple idea: to plant more trees in L.A. Learning how trees clean the air of pollution, fifteen-year-old Andy Lipski mobilized a movement that has now become one of the largest environmental non-profits in Southern California.
TreePeople centers around four main initiatives: community forestry, land stewardship, education and research. From planting trees in under-resourced communities to educating students, their team uses community advocacy to implement real solutions to climate change. With the city receiving little support from the federal government as a result of President Trump's massive cuts to climate agencies, TreePeople, more than ever, plays a critical role in educating and building community action through their grassroot efforts.
TreePeople’s care and compassion for the L.A. community and environment are what have kept Olivia Bailey working at the organization for over two years. Joining TreePeople initially as an eco-educator, Olivia is now the Education and Outdoor Equity Associate Manager, where she acts as the liaison between local schools and the organization and manages the elementary education program. In an interview with GEN-ZiNE, Olivia discussed TreePeople’s advocacy methods and how they can inspire Gen-Z to take action against climate change.
Courtesy of TreePeople
The following excerpts have been edited for length and clarity:
For those who are unfamiliar with the organization, could you give a brief overview of who TreePeople are?
We’re a grassroot organization that’s been around for a bit over 50 years now. We’re first well-known for our tree plantings because that’s how we initially started. Then, soon after, education started as well. That entails field trips and classroom presentations all about basic Earth Science and the importance of land stewardship. One of our biggest goals is not only teaching science but also inspiring students to get involved and help their communities with environmental injustices.
Los Angeles is a vast city with diverse and beautiful nature, but there’s an overall lack of equitable access to green spaces, especially in low-income neighborhoods. What is TreePeople’s role in creating more green infrastructure in under-resourced areas of the city?
I immediately thought of our green infrastructure team, which I work with on our school greening projects. I love the collaboration of not only going into schools that are historically underserved and putting trees and gardens but also recognizing the importance of engaging students. It’s not super helpful if an organization comes in and does something but does not involve the community. I think we are good at actively trying to involve the community. With also our urban community tree plantings, we specifically focus on areas that have low tree canopy coverage and really suffer from the urban heat island effect.
Over the past two decades, the city has dealt with the dire consequences of climate change, from extreme heat waves to the most recent catastrophic wildfires in January. After the city faces a natural disaster, like the wildfires, what is TreePeople’s role in helping rehabilitate nature in the city?
Right after the big fries, we worked on some literature that we could put out for wildfire resilience, which mainly comes from our mountain forestry team. Our mountain forestry restoration team are the ones actively trying to bring communities to help with restoration by planting native plants. We have always had at least some wildfires here and our native plants are meant to withstand that, and even sometimes flourish afterwards.
Under the current administration, the President has signed executive orders that have defunded climate agencies, such as FEMA, and promoted deforestation. How can non-profit organizations, like TreePeople, fight back against climate change denial?
The connection with our community and our grassroots aspect is really important. We can make a post on social media and do big broad things, but I think talking to individuals has worked well for us. It can be easy to get into a bit of an echo chamber since everyone that follows us probably believes in what we’re doing. But, if we go out in the general community, you never know who’s out there. When we’re planting trees on the streets, almost every time neighbors come out to speak to us. Some of them automatically say “Yay” but some of them don’t. We then get into a conversation with them, where we talk about the benefits of the tree and the benefits to the larger community. I think going in and trying to combat this super destructive rhetoric with individuals is something that we can do.
Growing up in an era where climate change has rapidly intensified, Gen-Z has developed “eco-anxiety” about our future. What is TreePeople’s approach to turning that feeling of anxiety and dread, especially among young people, into advocacy and action?
It's something we talk a lot about within education. With little kids, one of the main things we try to do is to make it fun. There’s a fine line – we don’t want to be too doom and gloom, because it could deter people if it is too overwhelming; however, we still want to be truthful about the situation.
As for older students, we get more into outright promoting advocacy. We have a down-to-earth collaborative communication. We try to say “I’m also a learner. What should we talk about that you care about in terms of the environment?” They might not even realize that what they are interested in is tied to the health of our environment, like fashion. I feel like a lot of young people are interested in thrifting and remaking clothes, which already makes you an environmentalist. There are all these little ways that I think we try to relate to students and make it tailored to their interests.
We share that there are multiple paths to becoming an environmentalist. You don’t have to have a master’s degree in environmental science. You can do all these little things on your own to be an advocate for your community, yourself, and the world.
What inspiration can the Gen-Z community take from TreePeople in organizing efforts to make their communities more climate resilient?
Our story of beginning is in itself inspiring because we were founded by a teenager, who was just inspired by what was happening in his community. He started small and gained traction because he was very consistent. You don’t need to have the biggest, most grand dream out there. Literally, all he was trying to do was just plant some trees. Figure out a simple mission, something that you feel like you can do but that will make an impact, be consistent in your work, and connect with as many people as possible. That’s something that our founder did that has got us to be where we are now.
Another part of it too is don’t be all on your own. I think really lean on the community around you because you’ll find more times than not that other people also want to do something about it. Collaboration is so important.
Courtesy of TreePeople
TreePeople provides a list on practicing green and sustainable behavior in your community. To learn more about TreePeople and how you can help, visit their website.