Bringing Native Oaks Back to Chino Hills
Once a dry and vacant stretch of trail, the Adobe Loop in Chino Hills is now on its way to becoming a thriving ecosystem—thanks to a community restoration project led by Scout Aarav Desai. Working closely with the City of Chino Hills, local nurseries, and fellow Scouts, Aarav planned and executed the planting of nine native Coast Live Oak trees along a previously barren section of the trail.
To ensure the long-term survival of the young trees, volunteers also installed an above-ground PVC irrigation system designed to deliver consistent water during the critical establishment period. This infrastructure helps protect the trees from drought stress—one of the biggest challenges facing California's landscapes.
As these oaks grow, they will provide much-needed shade for hikers, stabilize soil, and create new habitat for birds, butterflies, squirrels, and other wildlife. The project enhances the natural beauty of the trail and contributes to environmental resilience in a region increasingly affected by extreme heat.
