CSUN Partners with Fernandeño Tataviam Band to Build Urban Forests in Disadvantaged Communities
CSUN and the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians have secured a $5 million USDA grant to create urban forests in disadvantaged Valley communities. The project combines traditional tribal ecological knowledge with modern climate science to establish tribal nurseries and workforce development programs. Goals include planting 750 native trees, creating a tribal nursery, developing regional partnerships, and implementing training programs. Led by CSUN engineering professor Crist Khachikian and tribal president Rudy Ortega Jr., the initiative aims to combat climate change impacts while promoting cultural preservation and environmental stewardship in historically underserved areas.