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Planting Trees and Native Plants on School Grounds

Our climate action and garden teams across the district have been busy planting new trees and native plants on our school grounds. It’s exciting to see our gardens growing and native plantings blooming! Together, we've planted over 235 trees since 2018.

D65 Tree and Native Planting / School Food Garden Process at our Schools - approval needed prior to planting.

Native Plantings Guidelines on D65 School Grounds

D65 Watering Best Practices: School Gardens and Grounds (Trees, Native Plants)

Wondering why natives are so important for the environment? Take a few moments to read The Power of Native Plants from the Forest Preserves of Cook County or explore resources from Natural Habitat Evanston.

Trees play a critical role in creating healthier, safer and more connected communities. Trees are hard at work cleaning our air, filtering our water, providing habitat for wildlife, connecting commuting and cooling our cities by up to 10 degrees. Neighborhood trees have shown the ability to reduce stress, improve overall health and development in children, and encourage physical activity. Trees are a proven, natural solution to address climate change and every tree planted is a step in the right direction. The Power of Trees (Arbor Day Foundation).

See the article on Evanston Roundtable: Tiny hands plant tiny trees

A garden plot with newly planted seedlings and greenery, surrounded by trees and buildings in the background.
A young student in a blue shirt and shorts is digging around a small tree in a grassy park, with a red wheelbarrow and other gardening tools visible in the background.
The image shows three people working together with trees and greenery in the background.
The image shows a sign for Haven Middle School with the school district's name and logo prominently displayed. In the foreground, there are some plants or vegetation growing around the base of the sign.
A young student in a pink shirt is watering plants in a lush, grassy yard in front of a brick building with large windows.
A group of people, dressed in warm winter clothing, are working together to plant a tree in the ground on a sidewalk surrounded by trees and buildings.
The image shows a sign for Haven Middle School, with a brick building and landscaping in the background.
The image shows a plant growing in a garden bed surrounded by a wire mesh structure, with the ground covered in mulch or dried leaves.
A brick wall runs along the side of a sidewalk, with a garden bed in the foreground containing various green plants and yellow flowers.
The image shows a garden setting with various potted plants and fallen autumn leaves on the ground, surrounded by a brick building and trees in the background.
The image shows two people, likely children, examining and interacting with plants and foliage on the ground in what appears to be a garden or outdoor setting.
A group of people, both adults and children, are gathered around a tree, working together to plant or tend to it in a lush, green outdoor setting.
The image shows two people, an older man and a younger man, working together to plant or tend to a plant or tree in a lush, green garden setting.
A group of young children, accompanied by adults, are gathered around a garden bed, examining and interacting with the plants and soil.
A group of people, including adults and children, are gathered around a garden plot, engaging in a planting activity. The background features a scenic outdoor setting with trees and buildings.

Mature Trees on School Grounds

District 65 acknowledges the benefits of mature trees and remains committed to ongoing planting of new trees, shrubs, and plants throughout school grounds and routine care of our existing landscape.

As part of our ongoing commitment to sustainability, the district will only remove mature trees from school grounds if the tree has been significantly damaged beyond repair during a storm or it would otherwise present a safety concern. On occasion, the City of Evanston performs inspections and informs District 65 if a tree needs to be removed due to disease. The removal is a mandated requirement by the City which may include penalties and charges to the district if not handled in a prompt manner. It is never our desire nor will of the District to remove mature trees without just cause.

Questions regarding mature tree removal should be directed to the District 65 Building Administrator.