96th Street Elementary School

In 2023, TreePeople completed the transformation of 4 LAUSD campuses in the Watts neighborhood of South Los Angeles. The project removed approximately 8,000 square feet of asphalt and replaced it with 127 trees as part of the Watts Rising/Watts Transformative Climate Communities initiative. This project, awarded by the California Strategic Growth Council and overseen by the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles, involved extensive partnerships with local residents, agencies, and LAUSD schools to create a healthier, safer, and more sustainable community.

The project focused on assembling, supporting, and guiding Green Teams. These teams, composed of students, faculty, parents, and neighbors, volunteered to assist with final site designs, tree planting, and tree care at each school. Additionally, the installation was constructed by Salazar Landscaping, with all trees planted during volunteer events.

This school greening initiative focuses on incorporating environmental education into school culture emphasizing hands-on-learning, outdoor activities, and real-world applications. Over the course of volunteer planting days and the design process students, teachers, and parents come together to learn the importance and benefits of having a green school and how to steward it.

At 96th Street Elementary TreePeople’s greening initiative removed over 3,800 square feet of asphalt and planted 35 trees made possible by 100 volunteers. The selected tree species were low-water, climate-resilient, including 23 Brisbane Box trees, 6 Majestic Beautiful Evergreen Ash, and 6 Australian Willows. Trees were thoughtfully planted in extremely hot areas around the campus’s play fields, sport courts, classrooms, and entry points. Adding shade will significantly increase available campus green space and shaded seating for safe outdoor play and physical education.