In addition to getting out... I'm extremely passionate about giving back and considering the global climate and the devastation from last week's Tsunami in Japan, I thought it was only fitting that this week's post explore local opportunities to get out...and give back.
This weekend, and all upcoming weekends, TreePeople (a local environmental nonprofit) is calling on local volunteers (aka YOU) to help restore the damage from last summer's massive Station Fire in the Angeles National Forest. The Station fire was the largest and deadliest of the 2009 wildfires, burning 160,577 acres and killing two firefighters. This is an opportunity to restore the fire-damaged areas by taking a hike, making new friends and planting a tree.
Get me there: Register! Create an account with TreePeople to participate in this, and countless other restoration events in the LA area. If a hike in the hills isn't calling your name, there is also opportunities for street planting in Long Beach, park planting in Studio City and work days at TreePeople's beautiful 45-acre headquarters atop Mulholland Dr. where hikers, bikers and children enjoy the trails, trees and views in one of LA’s most loved (and least known about) parks. Spoiler Alert: There will be more on what to enjoy at TreePeople park in a future post.
Give me food: Pack the perfect sack lunch, with a gourmet twist. That means, leave the little box of raisins at home, jazz up the PB&J by adding thinly sliced Granny Smith apples and be sure to include a perfectly picked piece of fruit...and if you happen to stumble upon a 8oz carton of milk (you know, like we all had in elementary school) throw it in there for nostalgia's sake.
Give me something more: While taking care of our own backyard is important, I don't want to downplay the recent tragedies in Japan. The past week's events has left me overcome by sadness, shock and empathy. I’ve made a donation to the Red Cross (here) I encourage everyone that has the means to give as well.
