Alabama School Forestry Initiative Brings Trees to Schoolyards

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.