Did you know the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden is home to the largest grove of Engelmann oaks in Los Angeles? The trees are also an endangered species.
Kicking off Edison International’s Season of Service, a six-month stretch of philanthropic events, volunteers rolled up their sleeves, ready to help protect these vulnerable trees.
Spend the day with Edison volunteers as they do their part to give back.
8:45 a.m. — The Volunteers Arrive
Edison volunteers arrived at the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden, ready to spend the day preserving the Engelmann oaks by removing invasive plants that are harmful to the trees.
9 a.m. – Presenting A Welcome Gift
Volunteers attended a briefing about the day’s activities. Putting safety first, they were encouraged to put on sunscreen and grab a pair of gloves. The event kicked off with opening remarks from Pedro Pizarro, president and CEO of Edison International, and Steve Powell, president and CEO of Southern California Edison, who presented the arboretum with a $5,000 check to help enhance the organization’s environmental education programs. The grant is part of Edison’s pledge to invest $20 million in local communities each year.
9:30 a.m. – Touring Crescent Farm
Volunteers walked to Crescent Farm, a demonstration area in the botanic gardens, to learn about water-saving practices, including lawn reduction, drought-tolerant plants and ground coverings. The tour emphasized the importance of environmental education and sustainable gardening techniques.
10 a.m. — Engelmann Oak Preservation
Volunteers removed harmful plants from the Engelmann oak grove. Their hands-on work included weeding, pulling ivy and placing seedling marker flags in the ground to help promote new tree growth, which is the most threatened oak species in California. The arboretum’s grove is the largest in Los Angeles, making this conservation effort crucial for the species’ survival.
Noon – Wrapping Up
The volunteers clean up and head out of the oak grove. Since 2018, Edison International has contributed over $100,000 to the arboretum, supporting programs including its Nature Investigations field trips and At Home Nature Adventures online series. These initiatives have reached thousands of underserved students, fostering a lifelong appreciation for science and the environment.
For more information about Edison International's commitment to giving back, visit edison.com/community.
