More than 200 volunteers showed up for the Bixby Knolls tree planting on Saturday, April 26.
The Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association (BKBIA) partnered with Leadership Long Beach Class of 2008, the City of Long Beach Department of Public Works, and California Heights Releaf to organize the planting of 48 trees along Atlantic Avenue between Carson and Burlinghall. Residents, council members, City of Long Beach staffers, cub scouts, boy scouts, students, artists, and business owners came out in droves to help beautify the pedestrian corridor.
Councilwoman Rae Gabelich and It’s A Grind provided food and refreshments for the event. It’s A Grind even brought out its mascot, “Toddy,” to show support and keep things festive.
The Department of Public Works made the event easy and convenient by staging the trees at the prepared wells and providing tools and supplies for the event, then watering all the newly planted trees. Finally, Tree People provided tools and supplies so all volunteers were armed and ready for work.
“Everyone, no matter how small their part, witnessed the power of community. This past weekend’s effort is proof positive of how much we can do when we work together,” said John Royce, president of California Heights Neighborhood Association and chairperson of Cal Heights ReLeaf. “The ties that bind us together are a bit stronger today thanks to everyone who showed up to dedicate a few hours to enhance the economic, environmental and social health of our city. Our efforts will be enjoyed for generations,” Royce said.
Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association Executive Director Blair Cohn said California Heights ReLeaf was instrumental in securing the first planting on the 3400 block of Atlantic last November, and, through that effort, important relationships were formed in the community and with organizations such as Tree People Los Angeles and the City of Long Beach.
“Once again, John came through in a big way as planting supervisor for the day, providing proper instruction and aid to all volunteers at their tree wells. CH Releaf was responsible for reigniting the BKBIA tree planting program which taught the BKBIA how to facilitate volunteer tree plantings in the commercial corridors,” Cohn said.
The collaboration with CH Releaf provided BKBIA with the experience and expertise needed to beautify the area’s business districts and create a more pedestrian-friendly environment to attract residents, visitors and new businesses to the area.
“Everyone should be very proud of their contribution to this project. All trees were planted and everything cleaned and packed up in an hour and a half,” said Cohn.
