Cool Schools Claremont

Green space, park access, and trees

Other

Expand existing project, program, or initiative (expanding and continuing ongoing, successful work)

Claremont Unified School District serves a diverse population, including many students from high-needs communities such as Pomona and Montclair. These students often face limited access to green space, both at home and in their neighborhoods, which can impact physical and mental health, educational engagement, and connection to nature. Many school campuses in the region lack adequate tree canopy and biodiverse green areas, contributing to urban heat, poor air quality, and fewer opportunities for hands-on environmental education. This project will green three Claremont school campuses by planting trees, enhancing rain and native gardens, and continuing existing composting systems. These improvements will support STEAM learning, promote environmental stewardship, and contribute to healthier, more climate-resilient learning environments for all students.

This project will green three Claremont school campuses, which serve a diverse student population including youth from nearby high-needs communities such as Pomona and Montclair. At each site, we will plant or distribute up to 50 climate-resilient trees, install 3 interactive rain and native gardens, and expand already-established onsite composting systems—creating vibrant outdoor learning hubs that promote environmental health and educational equity.
Gardens will feature California native plants that support pollinators, restore biodiversity, and capture stormwater to reduce runoff. Tree planting will provide shade, mitigate urban heat, and improve air quality. A unique feature of this project is the continuation of existing school-managed composting systems, which turn campus food waste into nutrient-rich soil, eliminating the need for industrial composting.
Activities include site-specific design, community planting days, and the installation of native gardens, trees, and composting systems. To support outdoor learning, we’ll also provide activity guides and interpretive signage. When schools have limited space for tree planting, additional trees will be offered to community members through giveaways, ensuring that all trees find a home and continue to benefit the community at large.
This scalable model combines ecological restoration with place-based education to address climate, health, and educational inequities, transforming schoolyards into resilient learning hubs.

Success means three Claremont school campuses will be transformed into vibrant, green learning environments where tree planting, rain and native gardens, and enhanced composting systems create cooler, healthier, and more resilient spaces. These schoolyards will capture stormwater, reduce pollution, and offer daily access to nature for students—including those from nearby high-needs communities like Pomona and Montclair.
Students and families will gain hands-on experience planting trees, composting food and garden waste onsite, and exploring how native landscapes support pollinators, improve air quality, and strengthen community connections.
Over time, this model can be expanded across Claremont Unified School District and adapted by other districts throughout Los Angeles County. As more campuses adopt these practices, neighborhoods will benefit from increased green space, restored ecosystems, and stronger bonds between youth, nature, and community health.