“Good for your body, good for your mind, good for your confidence.”

At least, that’s how Vahagn Karapetyan, one of our Volunteer Supervisors, describes his involvement with TreePeople. In his years of service, we’ve truly come to rely on him. In fact, there’s an ongoing belief in our Forestry Department that when Vahagn signs up for an event, you can count him to do the work of 10 people.

Vahagn has been with us for over four years now, originally signing up for our Park Work Days here in Coldwater Canyon Park while he was still a student at UCLA. He was hooked right away–drawn by the sense of meaning he felt while working in nature.

As a Volunteer Supervisor, Vahagn helps to oversee our tree planting and care projects, and ensures that newer volunteers have a positive experience. It’s his way of assisting fellow Angelenos in making a difference in their communities.

Now, he has helped plant hundreds of trees in Los Angeles–in parks, schools and on urban streets. Greening school campuses is his favorite, though. Watching concrete torn out and replaced with trees, knowing that he’s providing a safe space for students to play and grow, is one of his greatest motivators.

Volunteering doesn’t just give him a space to give back to LA. It’s also taught him a lot!

“It’s given me more confidence and taught me how to lead other people, while staying humble. It’s also given me the courage to take on more challenges, as well as practical experience to advance my career,” he said.

Vahagn doesn’t have plans to stop any time soon. “I hope I can keep working with TreePeople, until I’m too old to keep going,” he said.

We certainly hope so, too!

Inspired by Vahagn’s story? Sign up to volunteer to green LA today.