Trees can improve physical and mental health for students and commnity members.

The Alabama Forestry Foundation is working to bring more trees to the state’s schoolyards. “This ‘schoolyard forest’ work is funded by the U.S. Forest Service, with partners including Alabama’s department of education, forestry commission and local governments,” explains Carl Smith in Governing.
Chris Erwin, executive vice president of the AFF, says that engaging students in tree planting can “give students a life activity” that builds “a sense of responsibility to the community over the long term.” Trees also reduce the urban heat island effect and can improve students’ mental and physical health.
“The Alabama Forestry Foundation’s programs don’t stop at planting trees; they include crucial grade-appropriate curriculum on forests and teacher education on bringing these subjects to their classrooms,” Smith adds. The foundation hopes it can help schools across the state develop tree planting programs that maintain schoolyard forests for years to come.
FULL STORY: Alabama Is Bringing Forests Into Schoolyards

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street
How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.
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