Community Corner

Volunteers Plant Trees in Hollydale Park

Volunteers expressed excitement about the benefits of having more trees in the park.

 

Close to 20 volunteers woke up early on Saturday morning to help plant and care for trees in .

Both the and Amigos de los Rios, a regional nonprofit that partners with municipalities to better their parks, organized the planting. The mostly grassy park had lacked many trees, which can improve the look and enjoyment of the park.

Find out what's happening in South Gate-Lynwoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“We are trying to increase the urban forest [and tree canopy] in the neighborhood,” said Mary Ferguson, project associate at Amigos de los Rios. “There is a lot of grass here.”

By increasing the number of its trees, the park becomes cooler and visitors can be more comfortable when they visit.

Find out what's happening in South Gate-Lynwoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“People will have a place to go and have picnics under the shade,” said Evette Santa, South Gate’s commissioner of parks and recreation, after she and her family helped with the tree planting. “Every park needs trees to do that, and this was an area that did not have many,” she said.

The 20 Western Rosebud trees planted are compatible with the California weather and can be quite popular because of its flowers.

“When I walk through here next year, I will be able to see the flowers,” said Linda Parsonson, 64, a South Gate resident who was volunteering for the this year. “I am very glad we have [Western Rosebuds] here.”

The trees that were planted on Saturday are part of more than 300 that Amigos de los Rios plans to plant through 2012.  

“So far we have 70,” said Loretta Quach, project associate at Amigos de Los Rios. “We are planning on coming back in two weeks to plant 50 more.”

To volunteer for the tree planting, contact at 323-563-5478.

If your city department or nonprofit needs volunteers, post your request in our free South Gate Patch Latino volunteer listings. If you want to donate your time, check out the volunteer opportunities here.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from South Gate-Lynwood