We’re Pando.
We create hope through action.
We’re building a brighter and better future for the 10 million people who call LA home.
Los Angeles County has a plan to create a more sustainable and equitable future.
We’re the people creating the civic education programs that help implement the plan.
We give instructors, students, and community partners the tools they need to make courageous things happen in the LA basin.
Challenge-based
We provide the framework, resources, and networks needed to help formal and informal learners alike take some of our biggest challenges on — as identified in LA County’s sustainability plan.
Challenges like shelter, water, climate, transportation, food, trash, biodiversity, jobs, equity, and more.
Program focus
We create programs for K-12, higher ed, sustainability professionals, and communities of faith.
And bring them together with community partners and public agencies to make things happen at the neighborhood level.
We foster innovation and can-do spirit.
Big ideas
We think action alone isn’t sufficient for building a sustainable Southland. Neither is knowledge.
We think it takes thinking.
Our special events and online posts encourage thinking about big ideas.
Pando
We are a non-profit educational organization named after the one-tree aspen forest in south-central Utah, the largest organism on Earth – Pando. Made up of over 47,000 trunks and millions of leaves. Connected through one root system.
It’s the perfect symbol of our interconnected lives, sustainability challenges and solutions – and a darned good name.
New video on Pando Days ’22 students by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Lyn Goldfarb (12 min.)
Click image to play
Enrollment now open for Pando Days ’23 season.
Some of our successes
Pando Days
Series
Our flagship program in higher education unites instructors across the County to tackle the toughest of our sustainability issues.
Magenta House Expo
A middle school student showcase for their most innovative water and power sustainability solutions.
CSO Strategic Taskforce
LA’s CSO Taskforce focuses Chief Sustainability Officers from government, business, and civil society on broad regional issues.
Pando at Encino
Pando’s community partnership office at the Sisters of Social Service, Encino supports diverse collaborations and new program opportunities.
Blog Posts
And the Pando goes to…
Pando Days ’22 ended with the sustainability event of the year, with awards for student teams, premiering of a new Pando documentary, and more.
Student voices from Pando Days
We Are Pando, a documentary film by Oscar-nominee Lyn Goldfarb, tells the story of Pando Days through the eyes of students.
Introducing Robyn Eason, strategic sustainability advisor
We sat down with Robyn Eason to discuss interconnection, her journey to Pando and more.
Vision vs. Execution: A reality check-in on climate action with the acting LA County Chief Sustainability Officer
Any Shrader connects with LA Count’y CSO Rita Kampalath to discuss the progress on LA County’s OurCounty Sustainability Plan.