Meet Quincy.

Four years ago, Quincy visited TreePeople for the first time on one of our Eco-tours preschool field trips. Today, she still remembers the beauty of our park.

“I remember this place with all these plants and pretty flowers,” Quincy said.

One memory in particular made a lasting impression. Like the thousands of children who visit our hilltop park for Eco-tours each year, Quincy took home a tiny seedling. Studies show that interacting with nature helps kids learn and Quincy is a prefect example! Four years later, Quincy is still committed to caring for her tree—which has grown healthy and tall, much like her.

“I wanted to see how big it would get over the years,” she said, when asked what has motivated her to care for the tree. “I kept watering it and giving it love. Eventually it got really big!”

Spending time outdoors is a priority for Quincy’s family, who moved from Canada two decades ago. For them, road trips, camping excursions and hikes are an important part of their life together.  Most recently, the family of four joined us for a moonlight hike.

Jemma, Quincy’s mother, shared her appreciation on how getting outdoors has helped the Rane family—especially during the digital age. “There’s something uplifting about being outside after the stresses of the day—be that school or work,” she confessed.

Caring for Quincy’s tree has been no exception. The tree has played a special role in their family, especially amidst the historic drought as they’ve watched trees in their neighborhood die.

“It’s funny; I had never thought to plant a tree as a seedling…” Jordan, Quincy’s father started to say before Quincy excitedly jumped in. “—But it’s not that hard!”

She continued, “I would encourage other people to plant trees, because they provide a lot for us—like shade! And it’s just fun to see how trees grow.”

We think Quincy’s story is pretty inspiring.

Want to inspire more kids like Quincy to care for trees in Los Angeles? Your support continues to keep our program moving forward.