Since late 2015, the LA Conservation Corps has been fighting against environmental degradation in the Big Tujunga Canyon Watershed. The hands-on and in-the-field conservation work has also educated and engaged disconnected urban youth as environmental stewards with the help of the NFF's Treasured Landscapes, Unforgettable Experiences campaign.

These Corpsmembers are learning effective measures for removing and mulching the giant reed to help minimize any growth and uptake of water into the plant. Not only do these plants significantly impacting water availability to other species in the ecosystem, they are also highly flammable throughout the year and can increase the intensity and probability of a forest fire.

Through their work, the Corpsmembers are able to see the immediate positive change in their surrounding environment with native habitat beginning to grow and thrive; helping reinforce the greater meaning of dedication, hard work, and achievable goals.

This eradication effort cannot be possible without the collaborative work between the National Forest Foundation, the U.S. Forest Service, and Dendra Inc. whose baseline survey has identified key strategic areas so that we can effectively fight against this highly invasive plant in the Angeles National Forest.