The yard at Melrose Leadership Academy in Oakland was mostly concrete with almost no shade—dangerously hot in the summer, and not able to absorb and slow any rainwater during winter storms. So we worked with the community to remove pavement and replace it with trees and native plants, which will absorb stormwater and keep kids cool in the shade. It’s the first project in a partnership between The Trust for Public Land, Green Schoolyards America and the Oakland Unified School District to transform asphalt schoolyards into green spaces. Along with climate and environmental benefits, the yard at Melrose Leadership Academy is now helping teachers improve environmental literacy and is a welcoming green place for students and families to exercise, play, and experience nature.
