It’s that time of year when parents and students gear up for the start of the new school year. While the focus is often on new supplies, textbooks, and lesson plans, it’s also important to remember the invaluable role that trees play on a student’s learning experience.

Increased academic achievements

Studies show that access to green spaces has a positive impact on a student’s academic performance. Increased exposure to nature has been linked to increased focus, creativity, and productivity, making learning more effective and enjoyable! Research indicates that even just seeing trees outside their classroom windows can increase students’ test scores. 

Healthier students

Not only can trees improve a student’s academic scores, they also can improve their health! Even a 10% increase in tree canopy is associated with reduced risk of asthma, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure. With trees to filter out air pollution and provide cooling shade, students can stay active at recess, keeping them safe and healthy! 

Trees can also help improve a student’s mental health. Regular access to nature has been linked to reduced anxiety and depression.  

Nature’s classroom

Our urban forest gives students a place to apply their natural curiosity and continue learning outside of the classroom. Whether they’re watching local birds build their nests high up in the branches, comparing the sizes of the giant sycamore leaves that float to the ground in the fall, or watching in amazement the changing colors of the trees each year, there are many discoveries to be made outside of the classroom. 

Seed to Seedling

Classes that participate in the Tree Foundation’s Seed to Seedling program get to experience the magic of nature firsthand while they learn about trees, science, and how to be good stewards of the urban forest. Students witness the lifecycle of our urban forest and even play an important role in reforesting our native oak habitats by growing acorns into seedlings. The program provides lessons for grades K-6 that focus on the natural and cultural history of California’s native oaks and the importance of caring for our leafy friends. 

Acorn Harvest

The annual Acorn Harvest is a great opportunity for parents looking to enhance their child’s learning experience outside of the classroom while also enjoying some family time outside. Each season, harvesters big and small are taught how to responsibly collect and identify healthy acorns from our native oaks. The annual event gives young harvesters the chance to put the lessons they’ve learned in school about a tree’s lifecycle and caring for the environment in action. 

Make a difference for students around the region

Whether they are out collecting acorns in the fall, growing future oaks in their classroom, or playing under a large shade tree with their friends at recess, we understand the positive impact trees can have on a child’s educational experience. The unfortunate reality is that many students in our region are faced with the harmful effects of low canopy coverage. The Tree Foundation is committed to bringing the benefits of trees to under-canopied neighborhoods so all students have the opportunity to learn and grow with the many benefits of the urban forest.  

You can support this vital work growing our urban tree canopy by making a gift or volunteering at an upcoming planting event this fall.