Kern County Approves $250,000 Urban Greening Grant for 54 Trees at Lamont Park

LAMONT, Calif. — More shade and green space could be coming to Lamont Park after Kern County supervisors approved a $250,000 urban greening grant at their October 27, 2026 meeting.

The grant is through the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District. According to the county’s October 27 meeting recap, the planned work involves 54 new trees and associated irrigation.

Why the project matters

Shade trees can help make outdoor spaces more comfortable during hot summer months and improve the appearance of parks. Adequate irrigation and long-term maintenance will matter as much as planting, given the region’s heat and limited precipitation.

What has been approved?

The board authorized the county General Services Department to accept or apply for the grant as described in its agenda. The official October 27 agenda, Item 26, lists a fiscal impact of $250,000.

The approval does not mean 54 trees are already in the ground. Residents should await a final planting schedule and contractor or park notice before assuming work has finished.

How is this different from other park funds?

Lamont has also been allocated $150,000 in separate state funding for safety upgrades at Bear Mountain Park and other facilities. The urban greening award comes through a different program and has a specific tree-and-irrigation purpose. The two should not be conflated.

For implementation updates consult Kern County or the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District.

Illustrative photo: Gayatri Malhotra / Unsplash. Not a newly planted Lamont Park tree.

Sources: Kern County October 27, 2026 board meeting recap, Item 26; Kern County official agenda.

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