About cool schools yolo county
About cool schools yolo county
Cool Schools Yolo County connects students and teachers to nature by transforming school campuses through tree planting and creating fun, experiential outdoor learning areas. The program, led by the Texas Trees Foundation, promotes environmental stewardship and aims to nurture a lifelong love of exploration and appreciation for the natural environment. Funding for Cool Schools Yolo County is provided by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection’s Urban and Community Forestry Program. Developed by the Texas Trees Foundation, the program is a partnership between the Tree Davis, Washington Unified School District, Woodland Joint Unified School District, and Woodland Tree Foundation.
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On April 27, 2023, during the Regular Board of Education Meeting, the WUSD Board of Trustees approved a professional services agreement with the Texas Trees Foundation in anticipation of receiving the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) Green Schoolyards Grant. The Texas Trees Foundation has been awarded the Green Schoolyards Grant to support five WUSD school sites: Westmore Oaks Elementary, Riverbank Elementary, Yolo High School, River City High School, Alyce Norman Education Center/Bryte Campus.
In September 2022, the State of California announced it would invest $150 million in helping green schools nationwide. Of the $50 million, $117 million will be distributed through the "Green Schoolyards Grants." The California Schoolyard Forest System will administer this competitive grant in partnership with organizations such as CAL FIRE and the California Department of Education.
The Green Schoolyards Grants aim to increase tree canopies on public school grounds to protect students from extreme heat and rising temperatures. Grants may be used for, but are not limited to, asphalt removal, tree planting, installing natural features for learning and recess, outdoor classrooms, and maintenance of planted vegetation. Texas Trees Foundation has successfully implemented school-based programs similar to the Green Schoolyards Grant in Dallas, Texas, and is ready to expand to California, beginning with Yolo County.
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