Summer Newsletter

Long Beach Sustainability Summer Newsletter, June 2023

LB Sustainability Quarterly Newsletter

Dear Friend,

Each quarter we create a newsletter to update the community on sustainable programs, projects, and events in the City of Long Beach. We invite you to participate and engage in these opportunities to advance environmental stewardship, support local sustainability practices, and create a more livable and resilient Long Beach!

Youth Climate Ambassador Program Wraps Up Its Second Year!

The City of Long Beach Office of Climate Action and Sustainability ran its second year of the Youth Climate Ambassador Program (YOU CAP). It hosted seven young people from the ages of 18 to 24 in a hybrid, 10-week, 150-hour, paid program that focused on climate change in Long Beach. From March 6th to May 12th, Ambassadors learned from climate leaders and professionals and participated in climate action and resilience projects in the City, facilitated by California Climate Action Corps Fellows Anna Liu and Tatiana Roque.

YOU CAP’s mission is to empower young people in communities most impacted by climate change to be stewards of the city they call home. Youth Climate Ambassadors learned about various topics including the history of local indigenous communities, native and non-native plants at Willow Springs Park, the impacts of climate change throughout Long Beach, environmental justice, and equity. Ambassadors then had opportunities to apply their skills and knowledge to various projects and events that support the Long Beach Climate Action Plan and its goals to increase climate resilience in the City.

California Climate Action Corps Full-Time Fellowship 2023-2024

California Climate Action Corps is currently accepting applications from those interested in serving for 11 months (September 2023 - August 2024) with public agencies, tribes, nonprofits, and schools throughout the state to engage communities in climate action and education.

As AmeriCorps members, selected Fellows will serve 1700+ hours and learn real-world climate action skills through community projects while being part of this unique program and statewide force of emerging leaders.

Fellows will earn a stipend of up to $33,000 and combined education awards of $10,000 upon completion of the fellowship that can be used to cover educational expenses at eligible schools and training programs or to repay qualified student loans.

Apply for a Fellowship Placement at the City of Long Beach

Summer Homeowners Water Workshop

Restoration Fridays

We invite the community to Willow Springs Park for Restoration Fridays to help tend to our beautiful restoration area. Meet us every second Friday from 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM at Longview Point in Willow Springs Park to assist with various tasks such as watering and tending to native plants, pulling invasive species, picking up litter, mulching, and maintaining the trails.

Parking is available at 2745 Orange Ave., Long Beach, CA 90806, or you can use Long Beach Transit’s Trip Planner to plan your route to the park using public transit.

Please be mindful of park conditions and the weather; don't forget to prepare by applying sunscreen, wearing comfortable shoes, and bringing water.

Invite your friends to help us steward Willow Springs Park, volunteers will be entered in a prize giveaway!

Marriott Spirit to Serve

In May, 64 volunteers joined us for the Marriott Spirit to Serve event. They came from Anaheim to Long Beach to learn about our Willow Springs Wetlands Restoration Site and pull hundreds of invasive weeds from the hillside. The volunteers gained an appreciation for how the city reclaims industrial land and oil fields, transforming them through pollution remediation design. They also learned how native and invasive plants can compete over multiple seasons. Their intervention came at a critical time right before the invasive weeds were going to release thousands of seeds in the landscape, and that weed removal will have a tremendous impact for years to come.

Certified Green Businesses

As a partner of the California Green Business Network (CAGBN), the City of Long Beach recognizes and certifies businesses that meet CAGBN's sustainable standards. Below are Long Beach Green Businesses that have recently been certified or recertified.

$500 rebates are available to support your Green Business Certification!

For a list of Green Businesses that have been certified in Long Beach and to learn more about CAGBN standards, visit www.greenbusinessca.org/cityoflongbeach.

Fruit Tree Care Guide

The City of Long Beach Fruit Trees in Front Yards Program just wrapped up. If you were one of the households to receive a fruit tree through this program, or if you already have fruit trees at your home, check out our Fruit Tree Care Guide to learn more about: