Northeast Trees gets youths digging with $500,000 grant

The environmental nonprofit Northeast Trees, which operates out of the River Center in Cypress Park, said a team of 30 at-risk youth will plant 1, 200 trees in areas damaged by recent wildfires thanks to a $500,000 federal economic stimulus grant that was awarded last month. Northeast Trees Development Officer Simran Sikand said the young foresters will come from neighborhoods in Northeast and East Los Angeles. The youths will plant and maintain the trees during a two-year period in which they will learn urban forestry skills. “We offer our stewards an introduction to urban forestry practices, basic arboriculture, and general life skills, thereby providing them with a purpose and keeping them away from gangs and violence,” said Executive Director Michael D’Annucci in an announcement.