Well, here at Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook in Culver City, California.

Nature Nexus Institute helps community people learn how to protect nearby green spaces.

The work can also lead young people to consider new career opportunities.

Stacey Vigallon Executive Director of Nature Nexus Institute, has seen firsthand the power o these programs to change lives.

one of the things that makes ou our Baldwin Hills Greenhouse program unique is that we've tied it to so many opportunities once students go on.

We have teachers in our alumni ranks.

We have urban planners and our alumni ranks.

Angela Mendia became involved with Nature Nexus Institute as a high school student.

Today, she is the Habitat Site Restoration Coordinator and Education Specialist.

Could you have imagined then that you would still be doing this work?

No.

Absolutely not.

I grew up here.

I went here and now I'm doing the work.

I'm teaching the kids.

I'm teaching all the members of the community about what we have.

Ekco Raven Markwood is a graduate of the Conservation Studies Program at West LA College.

you know, I went through the program and then I got a certificate, and now I'm her in like six years in the making.

So I'm like, yes, Ive done thi six years and I will never stop.

for Azul Calderon.

Because of her early exposure to nature conservation, has now become her calling.

I would love to work in the Forestry Service or anything involved with it, just like a non-profit or just even just doing what I'm doing right now.

Well, these young people are proof that environmentalism is more than just a movement.

It is a path forward.

A career and a way to create lasting change.

For PBS SoCal, I'm Bonnie Boswell.

Bonnie Boswell Reports is brought to you by the California Wellness Foundation.