Amigos de Los Rios has led green schoolyard transformations at over 16 schools across Southern California. Greening schoolyards provides climate friendly solutions to an outdated and oftentimes toxic asphalt blacktop schoolyard model. In addition to turning these “heat islands” into regenerative open play spaces and inviting learning institutes, green schoolyards significantly lower temperatures, capture stormwater and increase tree density and shade. The benefits of green schoolyards cannot be overstated; they provide proven physical and mental health benefits for students and teachers, promote better school attendance, academic engagement and stronger educational outcomes, as well as increased teacher retention and general wellbeing.