The participants’ restoration work consisted of the following activities on Mt. Hollywood Trail, the Fire Road leading from Berlin Forest and Dante’s View, and Bridge and Henry’s Trail:
• Clearing the tread surface of obstacles, removing loosened rocks and earth in disturbed areas and restoring trails to their original state
• Clearing drainage features to minimize trail erosion and environmental damage
• Planting trees and California native plants
• Widening trails to their original size
• Filling ruts, holes and crevices on trails
• Masking unauthorized trails
• Removing litter and debris from trails and recycling all discarded beverage containers
Minimally invasive methods were used to benefit the park’s natural environment. The young people themselves benefited, too, from explaining their efforts and sharing their vision for the rehabilitated trails with community members who used the trails while the work was being completed.
A celebration of this project was coordinated in conjunction with City Councilmember Tom LaBonge’s office, REI and “Kids Hike for Health” volunteers. The event was also attended by dozens of civic officials and hundreds of elementary school students from the L.A. Unified School District, all of whom hiked the newly restored Mt. Hollywood trail together.
LA Conservation Corps is grateful to Councilmember LaBonge and REI for providing LA Conservation Corps participants the chance to participate in the stewardship of Griffith Park for everyone to enjoy! A special thanks to the following people for making this happen:
- Peter Novahom and Alaina Cunningham, REI
- Patricia Malone and Jane Galbraith, Office of Councilmember Tom LaBonge
- Vicki Israel and Adria Ybarra, LA Department of Recreation & Parks
