Stephanie Carrie fights for Los Angeles' urban forest survival

In Los Angeles, California, on a recent Sunday morning, Stephanie Carrie led a group of 25 residents on a tree tour in a local Culver City park, attracting attention amidst an outdoor tai chi class and a group of yogis. This engaging activity highlights Carrie’s commitment to promoting awareness and appreciation of the city's diverse urban forest, which comprises approximately 700,000 street trees of nearly 1,000 different species. Carrie, who is not a professional photographer or arborist, utilizes her background in storytelling to connect with residents via her Instagram account, Trees of LA (@treesofla), allowing them to identify and celebrate the trees surrounding them. Carrie's initiative comes at a time when many of the iconic trees, planted in the 1930s, are aging and in need of replacement, particularly as they consume large amounts of water and may be replaced with drought-resistant alternatives. While she acknowledges the necessity of diversifying the tree canopy, which is crucial for Los Angeles' shade and climate control, Carrie advocates for maintaining some palm trees in select areas as a nod to their historical significance within the city. Her outreach directs a spotlight on the detrimental effects of environmental inequities, where the average tree canopy cover differs significantly across neighborhoods, particularly affecting low-income areas. Despite a city initiative aiming to plant 90,000 trees by the end of 2021, only 65,000 saplings had been added by 2022 due to pandemic-related delays. Furthermore, a recent study by the University of Southern California and the South LA Tree Coalition has revealed a pervasive awareness among citizens regarding tree inequity and its direct correlation to urban heat management. Participants expressed concerns that tree planting might correlate with increased housing costs, leaving them at the intersection of urban development and social justice. These discussions have become increasingly relevant, as Angelenos grapple with the balance between improving environmental quality and addressing gentrification. Through her tours and educational efforts, Carrie aims to break the cycle of 'tree blindness' experienced by many city dwellers. She stresses the mental and physical health benefits that trees provide, including aiding in recovery for hospitalized patients who can see trees from their rooms. Additionally, studies indicate that urban trees play a key role in mitigating air pollution and cooling urban environments, thereby improving residents' quality of life. Carrie’s dedication not only helps residents reconnect with the environment but raises awareness about the broader implications of tree preservation and planting amidst ongoing societal challenges.