ENST 492 Organizations

• City Plants works to increase tree canopy in Los Angeles so that people in every neighborhood will have equal access to trees and their benefits.
• Through their Free Tree Program, they provide free trees to LA residents and plant street trees in the City of LA. They also work to increase public awareness of the importance of trees for local communities.

“Turn the city of cars into the city of trees.”

• This organization is located in Marina Del Rey and strives to champion the restoration and protection of the Ballona Wetlands, involving and educating the public as advocates and stewards.
• Friends of Ballona Wetlands has an ongoing restoration program and conduct tours, community activities, and restoration days.

“Protecting and restoring the Ballona Wetlands for over 39 years with the help of more than 95,000 volunteers.”

• This foundation provides in-depth garden-based education to youth at Title I schools in Los Angeles, strengthening connections between food justice, environmental awareness, and community health.
• They currently serve seven Title I elementary schools, reaching over 3,000 students and their families each year.

“Connecting children with the natural world.”

• A grassroots organization aiming to improve environmental and social justice at Los Angeles Watts community.
• WBI focuses on increasing equity and improving water, air, and soil pollution.

“The BWI is a collaborative of community members and groups organized for environmental justice in Watts.”

• Working at the nexus of nature, community, and science
• Connecting diverse Los Angeles communities and schools to nature, offering guided walks, field trips, and workshops.

“We envision a future where the nexus of nature and community is recognized, cultivated, and celebrated.”

• They work to protect the coastline, restore our waterways, and enact clean water policy to protect public health in Los Angeles. 
• They increase public awareness and participation in protecting the coastline and Marine Protected Areas. 

“Making waves of change” 

• The Wrigley Institute focuses on environmental and marine biology research aimed at increasing adaptation to climate change. Wrigley’s projects support sustainable interactions between humans and natural systems.
• Educational, hands on programs are also offered.

“Encourage responsible and creative decisions in society”

• This organization utilizes Wood-to-Energy Deployable Emergency Water, or WEDEW, which is a versatile, self-contained, sustainable energy-water generator.
• The Skywater machine makes 150 gallons of fresh water every day, which is more than enough for our office and visitors. The rest of the water is donated to Community Healing Gardens, a non-profit that maintains planters in Venice.

“Making water from air.”

• Tree People helps to restore local ecosystems, plant trees, and incorporate nature-based solutions from Los Angeles’ urban streets to mountain sides.
• Tree People works towards environmental and social justice among environmentally stressed communities, strengthens environmental education, facilitates public participation, and conducts cutting-edge research leading to nature-based policies and solutions.

“Trees need People. People need Trees.”

• The California CoastKeeper Alliance works to protect the California coastline, oceans, and waters.
• The organization helps to advance statewide policies and programs for clean and health waters, using science based information.

“We unite waterkeeper programs statewide to fight for swimmable, fishable, and drinkable waters for all Californians.”

• The goal of Friends of the Los Angeles River (FOLAR), is to restore the L.A. River’s natural habitat, and bring the River to the people and the people to the River.
• FOLAR conducts clean ups, educational programs, social events, political engagement, and tours.

“A watershed movement for Los Angeles.”

• Cleaner California Coast is an initiative to create a cleaner and healthier Northern California Coast by Leave No Tace.
• Leave No Trace focuses on educating people —instead of costly restoration programs or access restrictions—as the most effective and least resource-intensive solution to land protection. 

“Leave no trace and show you care”

• Installed 100+ gardens in schools around Los Angeles so far.
• Tackle issues such as food injustice and food insecurity.

“Every child in every school in this city ought to experience the joy of growing, harvesting, preparing and eating simple whole foods.”

• This non-profit organization aims to advance the health and sustainability of the region’s watersheds, rivers, streams and habitat – both in natural areas and urban neighborhoods.
• They conduct science-based research, education and inclusive stakeholder engagement.

“Healthy watersheds, healthy communities.”

• The Sea Grant Program at the University of Southern California is a federal-state-university partnership that focuses on marine and coastal research.

• USC Sea Grant develops new education initiatives to increase science literacy among urban students and to encourage teachers to adopt science education curricula.

“Solving the problems of the Urban Ocean and improving the quality of life in coastal regions.”

• The Environmental Action Committee of West Marin (EAC) is a nonprofit located in Point Reyes Station. It strives to provide long-term protection and conservation of unique ecosystems.
• They achieve their goals through advocacy, science, education, and engagement. 

“To protect and sustain the unique lands, waters, and biodiversity of West Marin.” 

• Koreatown Youth & Community Center, or KYCC, is the leading multiservice organization in Koreatown, supporting children and their families in the areas of education, health, housing, and finances.
• Environmental Services provides fee-based services–such as landscaping, pressure washing, irrigation and native habitat plantings–to local businesses, schools and community groups.

“Serve the evolving needs of the Korean American Population in the greater Los Angeles area as well as the multiethnic Koreatown community.”

• They track the Earth’s biodiversity, because knowing what’s out there is the first step to conservation
• They also protect over 35 million specimens, dating back 4.5 billion years.

“Inspire wonder, discovery, and responsibility for our natural and cultural worlds.”

• Inspiring Outdoor Connections is a community outreach program that provides opportunities for urban youth and adults to explore, enjoy and protect the natural world.
• They work with schools, community organizations, and other agencies.

“Spreading the joy of wilderness.”

• The main emphasis of Population Media Center’s work is promoting gender equality.
• PMC melds entertainment industry insight with behavior theory to create entertaining hit shows that are uniquely designed to address deeply embedded, personal and social issues. 

“Slowing population growth is essential for the health and well-being of all people and the sustainability of the planet.”

• Marine Mammal Care Center Los Angeles is a nonprofit that rehabilitates and releases, sick, injured, and malnourished seals and sea lions, and promotes the preservation of marine mammals through education, research and partnerships.
• MMCC LA values: Ocean Stewardship, Conservation and Sustainability
• LOCATED NEAR SAN PEDRO, HIGHER THAN USUAL HOURLY REQUIREMENT.

“The Marine Mammal Center advances glocal ocean conservation through marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation, scientific research, and education.”

• Climate Resolve works to address climate change in Southern California by initiating policies to keep LA cool, contextualize climate science, protect land and resources, and reduce emissions.
• Climate Resolve aims to inspire Southern California to adapt and thrive in the face of climate change.

“Make Southern California more livable and prosperous today and for generations to come.”

• LA Compost aims to empower neighborhoods through composting.
• Thier programs serve the individual for home composting, the community with access and education to a decentralized network of composting infrastrucutre, as well as regionally based sites for organics processing, compost creation, and continued education.

“Connect the people of Los Angeles to the soil and each other.”

• This organization provides homes and communities with the tools they need to capture, conserve, and reuse local water sources throughout Los Angeles.
• Their purpose is  to empower communities and individuals to make active water management decisions through small, nature-based solutions implemented in the gardens, lawns, and sidewalks of private residences.

“Water LA activates Angelenos to capture, conserve, and reuse local water sources in the yards and parkways of private residences through nature-based solutions.”

• This organization is dedicated to natural resource protection, conservation, and enhancement.
• Through outreach, advocacy, scientific research, design, installations, and hands-on education programs, The River Project works to realize a climate-resilient, equitable future.

“Working towards living rivers, nourished by healthy watersheds.”

• This organization’s mission is to make the environment feel near, personal and urgent by building a newfound appreciation for life on earth.
• The Future Reference combines the collective expertise of leading climate scientists, immersive mixed-reality artists, and cultural forecasters while collaborating with sustainable brands. This organization is leading the plan to open the New Museum of Earth by 2019.

“Transforming our connection with the natural world.”