For the first time, SoCalGas joined North East Trees to host a Holiday Giving Tree and Native Plant Adoption Day at Ascot Hills Nursery in Lincoln Heights. This partnership was in an effort to provide the local community with green space, shade and clean air education. 

North East Trees has a youth-run nursery in Lincoln Heights, and the director of the nursery is a local high school student. Once a month North East trees give away one fruit and shade tree, along with plants to encourage the local community to plant these items in their local property. 

SoCalGas sponsored the event at the Lincoln Heights youth-run nursery, and several SoCalGas team members volunteered to plant native trees, which are resistant to fire. In addition, SoCalGas team members placed 811 stickers on the plants and trees, as a reminder for residents to call 811 before digging and planting their new greenery. 811 is a free service that connects excavators with the Underground Service Alert, who is responsible for notifying utility companies about a planned excavation, so they can mark their underground infrastructure and prevent accidental damages.

Collectively, over 100 community members walked away with trees, native plants, and a big smile on their faces. This event happens monthly, and the youth employees manage every aspect of it. SoCalGas supports this workforce development program as it promotes trade learning, increases green space and grows our urban tree canopy. 

For more information on North East Trees and ways to get involved, please visit: www.northeasttrees.org