Since 2016, Amigos de los Rios has partnered with Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) to plan and implement transformative school greening projects. By integrating urban forestry and green infrastructure, these initiatives provide academic, mental, and physical health benefits to students and surrounding communities.
We have led green campus development at several schools within PUSD, including Mary W. Jackson Elementary, John Muir High School, Octavia E. Butler Magnet, San Rafael Elementary, Altadena Arts Magnet, Madison Elementary, and Washington Elementary STEM Magnet. Most recently, we completed a major green schoolyard project at Willard Elementary School, funded by the Rivers and Mountains Conservancy and CalFire Urban and Community Forestry.
The Willard Elementary project transformed six acres of campus, including a 0.85-acre public nature discovery trail along Madre Street and Del Mar Boulevard, strengthening the school’s connection to the nearby Angeles National Forest. To address drainage, flooding, and vector control issues, we integrated bioswales, rain gardens, and permeable surfaces to improve water management and enhance public open space. Native and drought-tolerant plantings now provide habitat, reduce heat, and improve air quality.
A key element of this initiative was collaboration with Professor Claire Latane and her team from Cal Poly Pomona’s Landscape Architecture Department. Their research at Mary W. Jackson Elementary Green Schoolyard project informed the Willard project’s design, engaging 30 students in a “Green Team” to participate in planning.
This multi-jurisdictional project not only benefits the school community but also expands our Emerald Necklace network—linking green spaces across the region for a healthier, more resilient future.
I wanted to applaud our Facilities Team and Amigos de Los Rios for the incredible work they have done at Willard IB Elementary School. Principal Brambila was gracious enough to give me a tour last week. As some of you know, I have fond memories of when my girls attended Willard.Amigos de los Rios had done amazing work in the front entrance of the school transforming it into a tranquil park-like oasis with signage about the native plants and wildlife, meandering pathways made of pervious concrete to capture rainwater.That same transformation was made to the Willard grassfield where students play, which was opened up to the students just this month. Based on Principal Brambila’s account, during the reopening of the grassfield area, all the students were so excited for the new field that there were no students playing on the playground. The grass looked so beautiful, pristine, and flat, it looked fake. I had to touch it to believe it was real.I personally appreciate this transformation because I and my children experienced running on the grass field for Willard Running Club. Just as the front of the school, Amigos de los Rios had installed educational signage along the pervious concrete paths. According to Principal Brambila, the students are reading the signs on their own initiative, teachers are bringing out their students to learn. Thanks to ADLR and Measure O, the district is truly making an impact on students and staff improving the quality of education and mental health on a daily basis. (Tina Fredericks, Pasadena Unified School Board Member, District 6)
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- Students use the outdoor boulder classroom as an opportunity to play and connect with natural elements at the kindergarden play yard
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- Trike trail on pervious pavement at kindergarden play yard.
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- Interpretive bioswale signage provides students with an opportunity to learn about stormwater benefits happening beneath their feet
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- Interpretive bioswale signage provides students with an opportunity to learn about stormwater benefits happening beneath their feet
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- ADA accesible interpretive signage installed in front of the school – pavers installed under signage
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- Native trees and shrubs planted between pervious pathway and front of school
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- Volunteers planting native trees and shrubs
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- Installation of cool pavement around campus to reduce heat island effects
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- Pervious pathway formwork and gravel laid in place, outdoor classroom seating boulders in place at Willard field.
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- Pervious pathway formwork and gravel laid in place, outdoor classroom seating boulders in place at Willard field.
Learn more about our school greening initiatives!
Join us at one of our Greening Events! We plant trees, mulch, and do site work throughout our many school and park project sites. Events are every weekend, Saturday and Sunday 9am to noon. You can sign up online!
