A dense green tree canopy not only makes neighborhoods more inviting but also can reduce the effects of air pollution and climate change. A 2019 study by the city found Little Village was among communities burdened by higher air pollution — and now, the neighborhood is planting the seeds for change.
“I had a Zen club, like a club that would gather and we would do some gardening,” Vargas said. “We have a learning garden, and so we had the kids come up with an idea that we really wanted to plant some trees. We got in touch with another organization, Enlace, who told us about Openlands and that they help with that.
“I’m a coordinator for mothers who are mentors, and they invited me to the tree planting project,” Melendez-Soto said. “I really like to help out so that’s why I got involved, and to have more trees in the community and at the school.”