Community

Sikwa’puhawam (Greening Fields)

A Tribally-Informed Urban Forestry Program

Goals:

  • Addressing Urban Heat Islands: Combat urban heat island effects by greening urban spaces, improving air quality, and reducing energy consumption.

  • Public Health Improvement: Enhance community well-being by fostering healthier environments through increased green spaces, cleaner air, and access to nature.

  • Diversifying the Workforce: Diversify the food, agricultural, natural resources, and human sciences (FANH) workforce by creating career pathways in these critical fields for marginalized youth, with a focus on Tribal communities.

Why?

The northern Los Angeles County region, home to diverse and vibrant communities, faces significant environmental challenges, including heat islands and limited green space. This project is an opportunity to address those challenges while honoring Indigenous knowledge and empowering future generations.

How?

With a focus on equity, sustainability, and Traditional Ecological Knowledge, we are working to create lasting change that benefits the environment and Tribal communities alike. By training the next generation of environmental leaders and involving community members in every step of the process, we can build a greener, more resilient future for all.

Partners:

Funding provided by the Inflation Reduction Act and USDA Forest Service, Urban and Community Development Forestry Program, in partnership with California State University, Northridge, and Tataviam Land Conservancy.

Free Tree Planting

WE OFFER FREE:

  • Pre-planting site inspection

  • Native tree planting service

  • Post-planting tree-health monitoring for 12 months

Save on power and water while cooling down your neighborhood with a free native shade tree!

ELIGIBILITY

Eligible residents must reside within identified census tracts in the traditional territory of the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians.

DURATION

From the moment of visiting the landing page to the day your tree is planted, interested residents can anticipate a 4–6-week timeline!

TREE SPECIES

Our team will provide personalized recommendations based on factors like soil type, space, and sunlight. The 8 species available are:

QUESTIONS

Questions? Email Us @ trees@tataviam-nsn.us!

Eligibile Areas

Live in one of these areas? Submit your request to see if your home is eligibile within one of these identified census tracts.

Acton Lancaster Panorama City Sylmar
Burbank Littlerock Porter Ranch Tarzana
Canoga Park Llano Reseda Tujunga
Canyon Country Mission Hills Rosamond Valencia
Castaic Newhall San Fernando Valley Village
Chatsworth North Hills Santa Clarita Valyermo
Encino North Hollywood Sherman Oaks Van Nuys
Glendale Northridge Stevenson Ranch Winnetka
Granada Hills Pacoima Sun Valley Woodland Hills
Lake Hughes Palmdale Sunland

Request your FREE Tree Today!