The new exhibit explores the hidden network that allows heritage coast live oak trees to communicate with one another.

Focusing on Descanso Gardens’ heritage coast live oaks (Quercus agrifolia), Trees Talk explores the hidden network that allows trees to communicate with one another. Some centuries old, the oaks are magnificent giants that can grow up to 100 feet tall and are what remains of a forest that once blanketed the region. This exhibition showcases touchable and interactive elements, drawing on actual wood taken from oaks that tragically fell during a severe storm last year. Visitors can also examine acorn sprouts that show how roots develop as an oak tree grows. Trees Talk is open at the Sturt Haaga Gallery from March 16 to June 2.
The coast live oak is known as a “keystone species,” meaning that the tree supports the existence of hundreds of other species, including mammals, birds, insects, fungi, plants, reptiles, and amphibians. The Tongva people were the first people to live on the land where Descanso Gardens is today. They relied on coast live oak acorns as one of their most important plant foods due to its high nutritional value, abundance, and versatility. Acorns remain sacred to the Tongva community and are a staple in traditional meals. The importance of the coast live oak in the interconnected web of life cannot be overstated.
Los Angeles County is home to numerous public gardens, including the 150-acre Descanso Gardens which is one of four botanic gardens and arboreta in the county's park system. Development at the Gardens is guided by a Master Plan that was adopted by the L.A. County Board of Supervisors in 2020. The Master Plan seeks to implement the mission of the Gardens, which is "to practice exemplary stewardship of Descanso’s distinctive character and assets; offer people an experience close to nature; and cultivate understanding of the natural world and people’s place in it through inspiration, education and example."
FULL STORY: Descanso Gardens Hosting ‘Trees Talk’

Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

How Atlanta Built 7,000 Housing Units in 3 Years
The city’s comprehensive, neighborhood-focused housing strategy focuses on identifying properties and land that can be repurposed for housing and encouraging development in underserved neighborhoods.

Report: Zoning Reforms Should Complement Nashville’s Ambitious Transit Plan
Without reform, restrictive zoning codes will limit the impact of the city’s planned transit expansion and could exclude some of the residents who depend on transit the most.

Judge Orders Release of Frozen IRA, IIJA Funding
The decision is a victory for environmental groups who charged that freezing funds for critical infrastructure and disaster response programs caused “real and irreparable harm” to communities.

‘Clybourne Park’ Sets Stage for Housing Equity Discussions
Clybourne Park, a play exploring race, real estate, and community tensions, can set the stage for discussion on the lasting impacts of housing discrimination, gentrification, and the fight for affordability.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Caltrans
Smith Gee Studio
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service