LONG BEACH, Calif. — Planting trees is strenuous work, but for Long Beach Conservation Corp Supervisor Martin Soltero, it has allowed him to learn.

Currently, the Conservation Corp of Long Beach is working on the city's urban forestry by planting trees at Cesar Chaves. Soltero takes pride in his job because local residents will benefit from their work.  

The park sits along the 710 freeway, known for low air quality because of the traffic between the ports and trucking.

"Basically, trees give better oxygen for people to breathe, and then they also give you shade," Soltero said.

The option for shade is vital in a city where residents are at risk of extreme heat events that are only expected to become more frequent because of climate change.

Recreation Specialist Freddy Punzo joined the Corp two years ago. Not only did he get a job, but also the Corp helped him get his high school diploma after he dropped out.

"This job really helped me become a better person. It helped me grow. Before, I was really immature and stuff, and now this is the place to come if you really want to move on with your life," Punzo said.

The Corp is a youth development agency that helps young people between 18 and 25 cultivate job skills, further their education, and help the community.

It is also much more than the current project.

The nonprofit's Executive Director Dan Knapp said youth are exposed to opportunities they have never had.

"That's where the magic happens at the Corp, young folks come to us, and they've never been to the mountains, they've never been camping, they've never been to Santa Cruz Island and looked to see Island Foxes, it just broadens their horizons and opens up their world that much more," Knapp said.

While Punzo has experienced more than he could have ever imagined through the Corp, what is special for him is being able to make a difference in Long Beach — the city where he was born and raised.  

"I actually really enjoy planting trees, it makes me feel some type of way like it really excites me and stuff, so I would like to keep planting trees," he said.

The Corp will have planted 2,000 trees at the end of May, marking the end of their planting season. The amount will help replace dead and dying trees around the city by 2-to-1.

For Soltero, he said young people who are unsure about their next steps should apply.

"I suggest everyone who's not doing anything at home right now to come and join the conservation," he said.