Environmental
The community forest, anchored by our iconic native oak trees, provides cooling shade, carbon storage, stormwater absorption, and wildlife habitat. Careful stewardship of this living infrastructure ensures future generations can enjoy the natural character that defines Thousand Oaks.
Supporting native plantings, reducing pesticide use, and transitioning away from gas-powered landscaping equipment are practical steps that protect pollinators, improve air quality, and strengthen our local ecosystem.
STATUS SUMMARY
The City continues to provide property owners with street trees (upon request) at their property at no cost. Increasing the City’s tree canopy is one important way to reduce urban heat and sequester carbon. The City employs an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy using beneficial insects, such as ladybugs, wherever possible to address pests. The City encourages replacing gas-powered landscape equipment with battery-powered alternatives.
project highlight
On September 13, 2025, the City held a Lawn and Garden Equipment Exchange at the Household Hazardous Waste Facility, open to all Ventura County residents and businesses. Residents traded in gas-powered lawn equipment for vouchers toward electric alternatives. Nearly 200 pieces of equipment, including mowers, leaf blowers, trimmers, chainsaws, and edgers, were collected, dismantled, and recycled at the event. The event resulted in:
- 893 fewer gallons of gasoline burned each year
- Emissions reductions equivalent to taking two cars off the road
- Cleaner, quieter neighborhoods for everyone nearby
Thousand Oaks led the county in participation. Of the 98 vouchers issued at the September event, 74 went to Thousand Oaks residents — worth nearly $39,000 toward new electric equipment.
For 2025, Thousand Oaks residents and businesses accounted for the majority of program activity countywide:
Thousand Oaks | Ventura County Total | T.O. Percentage | |
Residential Vouchers | 170 | 248 | 69% |
Residential Voucher Value | $71,317 | $110,754 | 64% |
Commercial Vouchers | 17 | 49 | 35% |
Commercial Voucher Value | $77,458 | $508,267 | 15% |
What’s Next
- The City has planted 925 trees over the last three years, of which 330 were oak trees.
Select the drop-down under each goal to view the status.