Title
How Non-Profits Can Help Residents Heal From "Tree Trauma" in Order to Implement Sustainable Initiatives in Low-Income Neighborhoods
Format
Service Learning Showcase
Faculty Mentor Name
Marylou Bagus-Hansen
Faculty Mentor Department
Pacific CollegeCorps
Abstract/Artist Statement
Low income neighborhoods in cities across the United States face more severe environmental issues compared to their upper class counterparts, with air pollution being one of the urgent issues currently. In Stockton, California, the southern part of the city has some of the worst air quality as a result of redlining laws in the past, leading to after effects such as increasing asthma rates among children. Attempts to improve air quality in South Stockton by planting trees in neighborhoods have failed in the past, as non-profits and government officials would neglect the trees unattended after planting them, resulting in incidents such as property damage.
In partnership with California's College Corps Pilot Program, a local non-profit called Little Manilla Rising is on a mission to rebuild trust within the community in order to improve the city's air quality by planting trees and properly care for them. Research data is collected through weekly neighborhood canvassing and surveying residents, asking if they would like a tree planted in their backyard, a tree care kit, and tree maintenance by the organization for 2 years, all at no cost. The data is used to upgrade supplies that are in demand for tree kits, determine how to gain the community's trust, and keep track of all trees planted. Results are anticipating an increase in the rate of trust in non-profits by community members, a 10% increase in trees planted in the city since 2021, and increasing awareness of environmental problems in residents.
Location
William Knox Holt Memorial Library and Learning Center
Start Date
29-4-2023 1:00 PM
End Date
29-4-2023 4:00 PM
How Non-Profits Can Help Residents Heal From "Tree Trauma" in Order to Implement Sustainable Initiatives in Low-Income Neighborhoods
William Knox Holt Memorial Library and Learning Center
Low income neighborhoods in cities across the United States face more severe environmental issues compared to their upper class counterparts, with air pollution being one of the urgent issues currently. In Stockton, California, the southern part of the city has some of the worst air quality as a result of redlining laws in the past, leading to after effects such as increasing asthma rates among children. Attempts to improve air quality in South Stockton by planting trees in neighborhoods have failed in the past, as non-profits and government officials would neglect the trees unattended after planting them, resulting in incidents such as property damage.
In partnership with California's College Corps Pilot Program, a local non-profit called Little Manilla Rising is on a mission to rebuild trust within the community in order to improve the city's air quality by planting trees and properly care for them. Research data is collected through weekly neighborhood canvassing and surveying residents, asking if they would like a tree planted in their backyard, a tree care kit, and tree maintenance by the organization for 2 years, all at no cost. The data is used to upgrade supplies that are in demand for tree kits, determine how to gain the community's trust, and keep track of all trees planted. Results are anticipating an increase in the rate of trust in non-profits by community members, a 10% increase in trees planted in the city since 2021, and increasing awareness of environmental problems in residents.
