OUR VISION
Equitable access to urban nature that supports wellbeing and climate resilience
OUR APPROACH
Our work uses a research-to-implementation approach to understand the challenges and identify and implement viable solutions. We engage with policy decision-makers, communities, and nonprofit organizations to inform programs that advance urban greening equitably and sustainably.
CURRENT PROJECT
We are co-leading the Urban Forest Equity Collective to present methods to address decades of systemic disinvestment and planning decisions that have resulted in poor public health outcomes, limited access to green spaces, and a host of related consequences ranging from heat exposure to reduced ecosystem services.
EXPERTS
Edith B. de Guzman, Policy Specialist
V. Kelly Turner, Associate Director
Gregory Pierce, Senior Director
Trace Lane, Senior Project Manager
Ariana Hernandez, Project Manager
Lana Zimmerman, Project Manager
Zach Wampler, Project Coordinator
NEWS
Beyond shade: UCLA researchers improve radiant cooling to make outdoor temperatures feel cooler
The approach uses low-cost, scalable, transparent and infrared-reflective surfaces and hydronic panels.
Turning data into dialogue: Luskin Center for Innovation-inspired art exhibit brings shade equity to life
Roots of Cool: A Celebration of Trees and Shade in a Warming World, a new exhibition running from July 12 to October 12 at Descanso Gardens, brings shade equity to life through a multisensory art experience.
MEDIA COVERAGE
Planting Shade: Cooling Down L.A. Before The 2028 Olympic Games (Los Angeles Magazine)
Rising heat is causing students to underperform across the globe (Los Angeles Times)
