Ojai Tree Planting Project
Hi, we’re the Green Valley Project Youth Council, a youth-led group based in Ojai. Our goal is to plant native trees and reduce heat distribution in our community by creating more shade. We’re passionate about wildfire prevention, restoring ecosystems, supporting mental health, and uplifting the local population. We believe that small actions can have a big impact, and you can make a difference too! Join us at our upcoming community events this Fall and help support the local environment by planting with us.
Progress So Far
So far, our group has been working to better understand and address heat islands in Ojai. We began by creating a map of Ojai that highlights major heat islands and shows local areas that absorb and retain more heat than others. After identifying these hotspots on the map, we selected several potential locations where planting trees could help reduce heat in the community.
Next, we visited these hotspot locations in person to observe the areas and take photos. During these site visits, we evaluated each location to determine where tree planting might be possible and most effective.
Our next step will be to present our findings, including the map, photos, and proposed tree planting locations, to the Ojai City Council and Ojai Trees. We hope to lead 3 tree planting community events in mid Fall 2026 to help get trees into the ground and will work with the CREW to maintain and water our trees until they are established.
Meet the Team
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Mikayla
President
I am a leader and take pride in the volunteer opportunities I get. I always help and do as much as I can, and to the best of my abilities. I hope I can learn a lot from here and also teach a lot. My name is Mikayla and this is what I hope to do.
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Isy
Vice President
I am someone who loves to travel and explore new places. The reason I joined Green Valley Project is to gain experience in environmental protection and research. I am hoping by joining this program I can gain more experience in public speaking and talking with others about the environment and how we can help.
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Mia
Reporter
My name is Mia. I go to Buena High School and I am learning German! I am very ambitious when it comes to anything relating to nature. I love learning from the environment. There is so much that the things of the natural world teach us, which is why I strive to protect, preserve, and enlighten others about the world we live in!
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Sam
Activities Chair
I go to Cabrillo Middle School and I’m in 8th grade. I love planning things like parties! I also love being a leader and helping people. I am very creative and love to draw and do crafts. This ability will help me plan creative, fun activities in my role as activities chair. I also love nature and helping in my family’s garden. I believe I can help make the world brighter and greener with my kind and creative spirit!
