We believe access to green spaces should be a student right.

Think about it. Among countless benefits, green spaces are proven to boost academic achievement, minimize the effects of ADHD and reduce stress. That’s why we love school greening projects! It’s critically linked to student success.

We’re inspired by schools like El Camino High School in Woodland Hills. They get it! In January the students of ECHS invited us to partner with them to beautify their campus. We’re seriously impressed by these young people’s work.

Over 180 teens showed up to help! Students from the campus Eco Club (supported by TreePeople) linked arms with students from the athletics department to care for trees, plant natives, remove invasive species and pick up trash. (Of course, their hard work earned them a pizza party.)

“I always cry after these events,” said Enjoli Ferrari, TreePeople’s Youth Leadership Manager. “You can tell the students feel connected.” For Enjoli, giving youth an opportunity to engage with their community is rewarding.

This was no small task! Members of the Eco Club took it upon themselves to research. They assessed the soil and used their results to determine which plants would succeed, plants which were generously donated by the US Forest Service. To care for trees and minimize erosion, they added over 20 cubic yards of mulch!

The impact on campus is inspiring, and the impact of this experience on the students is apparent, too. Just take it from Sahar Hassanpour, the president of ECHS’ Eco Club:

I never would have imagined that so many people would come out to help. It was the first of hopefully many successful events for the EcoClub. We really couldn’t have done any of it without you and your team.

– Sahar Hassanpour

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After:

To all the students in participation at ECHS, we applaud you!

Want to green YOUR campus? Get involved with our Eco Clubs program! To learn more, visit our website.