In 2023 the Sonoma Ecology Center was awarded a CAL FIRE-funded grant to develop plans for landscape greening upgrades at all 8 elementary schools in the Pittsburg Unified School District as well as for the 4 elementary schools in the Bellevue USD in Santa Rosa. These plans included shade tree planting, outdoor classrooms, bioswales, and natural (non-asphalt) play areas.

To provide greening plans for all 8 elementary schools in the Pittsburg district. we worked with a number of partners including Derivi Castellanos Architects and Gates-Studio landscape designers, and in the Bellevue district we worked with Bay Tree Design and a number of their subcontractors. We ran into some challenges at two schools in the Bellevue district caused by an endangered species called the Tiger salamander and their presence near school grounds would have prevented major construction. However, we were able to hand-plant some trees with the help of volunteer students, parents and school staff. Complete, shovel-ready plans were completed for the other two Bellevue schools and all 8 Pittsburg schools. In 2024 we assisted the Pittsburg USD develop another grant application to implement construction at Stoneman Elementary School, which was one of only 5 green schoolyard implementation grants awarded in the state last year and the only one in northern California. This grant was funded through the federal IRA program and is administered by CAL FIRE.

Above: Students and Staff plant a tree (with biochar, or course!) at Bellevue Elementary School. Below: Construction and planting of trees and shrubs at Stoneman Elementary School in Pittsburg, CA. Biochar was also used throughout the planted area. This section of the project will be a shaded outdoor classroom and meeting area once the trees mature. Stone seating and tables will be added soon.

Below: Some asphalt is also being removed and natural play areas, trees and play structures will be installed. Many California schoolyards have few shade trees or natural play areas, and CAL FIRE’s Urban Forestry department is dedicated to providing shade and cooler playground environments, especially in hot zones like Pittsburg and for underserved populations.