Welcome to the South LA Tree Coalition
Our mission is to close equity gaps throughout LA’s urban forest and facilitate the preservation, protection and growth of South LA’s tree canopy through progressive advocacy and community-based efforts.
Who We Are
The South LA Tree Coalition (“South LA Trees” or SLAT) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit founded by women of color. Since its origins in 2021, in response to the removal of a grove of Protected Sycamore trees in South LA as a result of a development project, South LA Trees works through grassroots efforts to prioritize the preservation, protection and growth of the local urban forest and its tree canopy in South LA – a designated tree-poor region of the City.
What We Do
South LA Trees aims to grow community awareness and agency in strengthening the role of trees as part of larger efforts including environmental justice, climate resiliency, biodiversity, and community wellness. Its work includes advocacy, community collaborations, research, policy initiatives, and tree-related projects and outreach events. Through this work, South LA Trees identifies critical needs, strategic opportunities and uplifts efforts and voices throughout Los Angeles in order to bring about progress, equity, and justice across the urban forest and for the benefit of all communities..
What We Believe
All communities deserve trees, just as all communities deserve equity. Trees are the first line of natural infrastructure and assets for communities and cities: The condition of a community’s tree canopy impacts a range of other conditions such as climate resiliency and sustainability, energy efficiency, property values, natural habitat, biodiversity, air quality, walkability, wellness and more.
Greater investment in our trees creates greener futures for our communities.
OUR TEAM
Robin Gilliam — Co-Founder
Theresa Maysonet — Co-Founder
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Liza Ameen, Shelley Billick, Brent Green, Dakota Maysonet
NON-PROFIT STATUS
SLAT is an IRS tax-exempt 501(c)(3) California non-profit organization.
Donations are tax-deductible.
Tax ID#: 92-0557438