COMMUNITY CONSERVATION SOLUTIONS

THE NATURAL PARK AT RAMONA GARDENS The Natural Park at the Ramona Gardens Housing Development will transform a degraded area in one of the most polluted communities in California into a four-acre "Nature in the City" park, using restored native habitat integrated with engineering and smart design to create natural, green open space, recycle urban runoff and stormwater, create an Anti-Pollution Green Buffer zone to reduce air and noise pollution, improve public health and provide recreation opportunities. Ramona Gardens is adjacent to a heavily-polluting, 15-lane freeway corridor. The Natural Park at Ramona Gardens will crate a natural, shaded oasis with an ecosystem of native trees, shrubs, and flowering plants; a walking trail; and shaded plaza and active recreation courts. It will help address the impacts of climate change, reduce greenhouse gases and urban heat islands, reduce residents' exposure to air pollution, improve water quality in the L.A. River and provide badly-needed public health benefits, establishing a model that can be replicated at other public housing developments throughout California.

GREEN SOLUTIONS PROJECT - The Green Solution Project focuses on transforming stormwater runoff into a sustainable source of clean water to recharge groundwater supplies, reduce Greenhouse Gases (GHGs), create new green open space and restore natural habitat. CCS' Green Solutions is a practical, metrics-based tool that integrates data to help decision-makers know where and in what order to implement stormwater capture projects on existing public lands to maximize water quality, water supply, climate change adaptation, conservation and community benefits. CCS' Green Solutions uses leading edge technology and geospatial data analysis to integrate land, hydrologic, storm drain, community and conservation data in an ecosystem-focused approach. Green Solutions is an innovative approach that helps reduce water pollution, enhance local water supplies, restore native habitat and create new parks and open space in disadvantaged communities.