More trees, shade and outdoor learning amenities are coming to seven McAllen Independent School District elementary schools thanks to a grant award from the Texas A&M Forest Service initiative.

“South Texas children are disproportionately impacted by extreme heat at schools and investments in tree canopy, outdoor educational and recreational amenities and science curriculum provide so many benefits,” said McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos. “We are honored to receive the $2,730,000 Schoolyard Forest Grant Award from the Texas A&M Forest Service for the benefit of our McAllen students.  We take great pride in working with McAllen I.S.D. to elevate students’ learning opportunities.”

The Texas A&M Forest Service grant will directly fund tree planting and education efforts as part of their larger, unique urban forestry solution campaigns.  The program also places a key emphasis on increasing schoolyard tree canopy coverage to 30% of a school’s campus to create accessible community treescapes.

McAllen I.S.D. School Board of Trustees President Sofia Pena shared, “We are excited on behalf of our students who will benefit from these new outdoor classrooms and open new worlds for them for many years to come.  This endeavor serves as one more example of how different entities, working together, can serve our community’s children.”

“Greening schools is a win-win for our students, families and the environment.  The City of McAllen and M.I.S.D. are excited to design new outdoor areas that provide beauty and shade, as well as serve as outdoor hands-on learning opportunities,” said Colleen Hook, Executive Director of Quinta Mazatlán.

“The impact that trees have on our mental and physical health is astounding,” said Gretchen Riley, Texas A&M Forest Service Forest Systems Department Head.  “Coordinating with schools across the state to focus efforts on increasing tree coverage at schools will positively impact the mental and physical health of students, as well as provide them with hands-on forestry education and appreciation.”

The Texas A&M Forest Service Grant awarded to the City of McAllen’s Quinta Mazatlán will engage students and staff to design innovative schoolyard forests with shade trees and inviting spaces for learning, exploring, play while improving the environment for all.

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