George Washington Elementary

Funded by California’s Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) Green Schoolyards planning grant, TreePeople is partnering with Burbank School District (BUSD) to develop shovel-ready greening plans for six Burbank schools. This initiative aims to expand and improve green infrastructure on school campuses, addressing environmental burdens and creating healthier outdoor spaces for all students. TreePeople is partnering with landscape architecture firm SWA, who is designing the campus landscape; Burbank Eco Council, who is facilitating community engagement; and Theodore Payne Foundation, who is developing a California native planting palette.

TreePeople’s holistic approach to greening prioritizes the voices most affected by this work: the school community. In collaboration with Burbank Eco-Council, TreePeople facilitated bilingual listening sessions and workshops for parents, students, and faculty to better understand the school community’s vision.

At George Washington Elementary, design plans focus on removing heat-absorbing asphalt. Additionally, planting shade trees and native plants will create outdoor learning environments and gathering spaces. These proposed changes aim to create cooling, increase usable recreational spaces for physical and mental well-being, and improve campus ecology.