During the COVID-19 pandemic, public gardens like the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden have become very popular destinations, serving as places of respite and recreation for a weary public.
The 127-acre Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden is an arboretum, botanical garden, and historical site located in Arcadia, California. The facility is managed through a private-public collaboration between the Los Angeles Arboretum Foundation and the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation. The mission of the Arboretum is to cultivate its natural, horticultural and historic resources for learning, enjoyment and inspiration.
In this essay, writer Yxta Maya Murrary discusses her experiences and observations of the Arboretum which she and her husband became members of during the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, she adopts a new hobby of "therapeutic photography" and talks about her interesting run-ins with the peafowls which are commonplace at the Arboretum. According to the Arboretum's website, the species of peafowl at the Arboretum are Indian Peafowl which are members of the pheasant family. The species is named Pavo cristatus with cristatus referring to the peafowls’ crest. The male birds are called peacocks, the female birds are peahens, and the offspring are peachicks. Although the term “peacock” is often used when referring to the species as a whole, the collective term for both genders is peafowl.
FULL STORY: Where I Go: L.A.’s Arboretum, Where the Peafowl Hunt You In Packs
Creating a New Regional Park by Restoring Degraded Lands
Los Angeles County is transforming 142 acres of the Puente Hills Landfill into parkland, creating the first new regional park in the county in over 35 years. The recently released concept plan and renderings show what the park will look like.
The Importance of Accessible Trails
Not all trails are accessible to those with limited mobility. This article highlights eight trails and nature walks in Southern California that can be enjoyed by just about anyone.
South Los Angeles Park Offers Hidden Benefits
Not only does the redevelopment of a large section of Earvin Magic Johnson Park in Willowbrook offer much needed green space and new amenities, it also helps to conserve water and improve water quality.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.
Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.
LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions