Did you know green space is essential to a healthy childhood? In fact, studies have proven that students with regular access to green spaces are on average happier, more focused, physically fit and have higher levels of self-esteem.
We’re big believers that trees can heal, which is why we brought nearly 50 volunteers together on May 2nd to plant 24 trees on the campus of Sylmar Elementary School in Sylmar, California. Sylmar’s campus is located in an economically challenged area, and their campus lacks adequate canopy coverage and safe spaces for kids to play.
The Sylmar Elementary Green Team was developed by students late last year, and hit the ground running from the very beginning. The Green Team, in collaboration with TreePeople’s Regional Manager of the Northeast Valley, Pamela Gibson, worked to rally community support. Together, they planned the first phase of their school’s eco-face lift: a tree planting and asphalt removal— 260 square feet, to be exact!
Members of Disney’s VoluntEARS got their hands dirty as part of their program—which regularly partners with our local events. The event was also supported by Big Sunday, as well as parents, teachers, and students from the Sylmar community.
New Volunteer Supervisors from UCLA also joined us to help ensure proper planting and to educate the Green Team on how to implement proper tree care so the newly planted trees could look forward to a long, healthy life and provide shade and beauty to the campus for years to come.
The community’s and our dedicated volunteer team’s hard work made the day possible to green the school campus with beautiful, climate appropriate shade trees including species like California sycamore, Valley oak, Deodar cedar, Chinese flame tree, and Chinese pistache.
It’s all worth it, as we know the trees will benefit the students and local community of Sylmar Elementary. Thank you to everyone involved in making this day a huge success. Because of your support, the students of Sylmar Elementary now have a beautiful, safe, and green campus to enjoy and play!
Want to get involved? Each week we coordinate events all across LA. Visit our calendar for more information. Or, visit our Action Center for resources on giving your school a green makeover.