Verdant Venice Group (VVG) is a grassroots community organization dedicated to increasing the native tree canopy and greening the understory throughout the Venice community.

Since its founding in 2018, VVG has particularly focused on underserved Venice areas, well-traveled local thoroughfares and a variety of schools and public spaces in need of landscape beautification. To date, the group has planted and nurtured over 500 trees and 300-plus native shrubs and flowers at dozens of locations throughout the area. The increasing threat of global warming has been well documented, and VVG seeks to bring the benefits of shade-providing tree canopy to both neighbors and visitors alike. Additionally, VVG is supporting the biodiversity of local wildlife by dramatically increasing their habitat.

Although Venice is a major Southern California tourist attraction, second only to Disneyland, there is a scarcity of city funding available to add vital landscape improvement to the area. As a result, a multi-generational team of locals has taken matters into their own hands. Working with LADOT, Bureau of Street Services and Recreation and Parks to secure necessary permits, VVG members devote many hours of time and energy to realize the group’s mission. These dedicated volunteers – ranging in age from 8 to 83 – share a passion for horticulture and a concern for the environment. The group has also mentored resident leaders at nearby Mar Vista Gardens, a low-income housing project, as well as at the Westdale and Mar Vista Arbor Groups. To further promote ecological education for community members, VVG organizes quarterly tree walks and assists other tree groups attempting to initiate and sustain their own programs. The organization works in association with both the Venice Chamber of Commerce and the Venice Neighborhood Council.

In addition to new planting, VVG remains committed to sustaining the landscape, watering, weeding, sheet mulching and pruning young trees and shrubs over time. As newly planted vegetation takes root and grows, we see meaningful change happen before our eyes. We all have the power to be a part of this transformation. One tree at a time.