TreePeople, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit corporation that does not seem to be one of the groups filing lawsuits every time anyone recommended responsible forest management that would have prevented the numerous wildfires that have ravaged southern California in recent years, today announced that it has received a $1 million grant from The Boeing Company to launch a comprehensive California Wildfire Restoration Initiative in response to the numerous wildfires that have ravaged southern California in recent years.

The grant fulfills a pledge Boeing made in the wake of last year’s wildfires to contribute $1 million toward rebuilding efforts in the region.

“Boeing chose to partner with TreePeople because of its 35 years of proven experience with forest restoration, urban forestry, and volunteer and community engagement,” said Rick Stephens, Boeing senior vice president, Human Resources and Administration. “The corporate contribution complements the company-matched donations of Boeing employees and retirees to the American Red Cross for immediate relief activities. These totaled more than $702,000, which included a large grant from the Employees Community Fund of Southern California.”

Priorities of the initiative include educating the public to strategically restore forest lands after a fire; expanding environmental education and fire safety programs for students and families; and engaging the community in on-the-ground restoration. Planning will commence this summer with a roll-out of the associated programs in the fall.

During a five-year period, the initiative will train and support over 7,500 volunteers to restore over 10,000 strategic acres, targeting forest and woodland areas that have burned so intensely in past fires that they are unlikely to recover on their own. To volunteer, donate or learn more, visit: www.treepeople.org.

“The initiative goes beyond tree planting,” said said Andy Lipkis, founder and president of TreePeople. “We’re focusing on restoring the crucial ecosystem services of key damaged forest areas of Southern California that provide essential quality of life benefits to millions of people. These benefits include clean air, water supply, and flood and pollution protection. TreePeople is committed to helping nature heal itself—and by healing the forests, we provide invaluable benefits for our cities and our fragile coastlines.”