Habitat Restoration at Debs Park

Ernest E. Debs Regional Park is 282 acres of open space nature reserve in one of the most densely populated and urban areas of Los Angeles. North East Trees is working in the southwest section of the park to improve and restore habitat by planting native species from the southern oak woodland, coastal sage scrub and chaparral plant communities. We will increase overall species diversity by planting an additional 40 trees adjacent to the parking lot off of Boundary Avenue.

Additionally, we will take advantage of this opportunity to work with the community, especially local school students, to teach them about the restoration of ecological function in an urban setting and about natural, low tech systems and lightly-engineered methods for cleaning and capturing stormwater.

Project elements include:

• 300 trees and 1,000 understory plants

• Removal of invasive plants

• Retrofit of the existing irrigation system

• Bioswales and rain gardens to retain and filter runoff before it enters the storm drain system

• Education, training and meaningful employment for local youth

• Community outreach and engagement

• Volunteer tree planting opportunities