Friday, July 3, 2026

School Board President’s Plan Would Double to Nearly Quadruple Tree Canopy Shade Across Pasadena School Campuses

Pasadena Now receives preview copy of proposed Board resolution

Late Thursday night, Pasadena Now received a copy of a proposed Pasadena Unified School Board resolution from President Tina Federicks, which she said she “will be agendizing in an August Board meeting.”

The proposed resolution, which appears in full below, would roughly double to nearly quadruple existing shade provided by current tree canopy across Pasadena Unified schools, depending on the campus.

If passed, Pasadena Unified would commit to a binding goal of covering at least 30 percent of every campus’s outdoor learning, play and circulation areas with tree canopy by 2030, aligning the district with the state-backed California Schoolyard Forest System.

A 2023 equity study cited in the measure puts current canopy at district schools between 8 and 15 percent — meaning the target would expand existing shade, between two and four times.

The measure sets two deadlines. Within six months, the superintendent would launch a campus-by-campus audit — using satellite imagery, Light Detection and Ranging technology or manual surveys — to map canopy, assess tree health and set per-school baselines, identifying the lowest-canopy campuses relative to student density.

Within 12 months, a full implementation plan would go to the Board of Education. The goal excludes buildings, parking structures and athletic fields, the last excluded over root-intrusion concerns.

The resolution also directs the district to favor native, drought-tolerant species, comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and steer shade toward the least-shaded areas, especially those serving historically marginalized students.

A new Urban Forestry Advisory Committee of arborists, landscape architects, community groups and students would guide the work, and an annual “Green Campus Report” would track plantings, spending and setbacks.

The measure names general funds, grants, philanthropy and volunteers as possible funding but appropriates no money and sets no penalty for missing 2030. A supporting clause urges cutting asphalt 50 percent, though that figure never appears in the binding sections.

Here is the copy of the proposed resolution received by Pasadena Now:

RESOLUTION: COMMITMENT OF THE PASADENA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT TO ESTABLISH AN IMPLEMENTATION PLAN TO INCREASE TREE CANOPY COVERAGE TO AT LEAST THIRTY PERCENT (30%) WHERE STUDENTS LEARN AND PLAY FOR EACH SCHOOL BY THE YEAR 2030

WHEREAS, the Pasadena Unified School District (“District”) is committed to providing safe, healthy, and sustainable learning environments for its students, staff, and community members; and

WHEREAS, scientific research demonstrates that increased tree canopy coverage significantly reduces urban heat island effects, lowers ambient temperatures on school campuses, improves air quality by filtering particulate matter, enhances stormwater management, and contributes to improved student mental health, concentration, and academic performance; and

WHEREAS, the City of Pasadena and California State agencies have recognized the critical importance of urban forestry in addressing climate change adaptation and mitigation, particularly in protecting vulnerable populations from extreme heat events; and

WHEREAS, the California Department of Education, in partnership with stakeholders, has established the California Schoolyard Forest System®, a statewide initiative aimed at planting enough trees by 2030 so that, when mature, they will cover at least 30% of each public school property in areas used by children and youth during the school day, thereby shading and protecting pre-K-12 students from extreme heat and rising temperatures due to climate change ; and

WHEREAS, studies have shown that increased tree canopy levels are associated with better student outcomes, including improved concentration, reduced stress, and lower absenteeism rates; and

WHEREAS, tree coverage can significantly mitigate the urban heat island effect in outdoor areas such as playgrounds, sports fields, and other recreational spaces, ensuring that students have access to cooler and more comfortable environments during outdoor activities, which is particularly urgent given the escalating temperatures; and

WHEREAS, the reduction of asphalt in outdoor areas contributes to cooler campus temperatures, decreased stormwater runoff, and improved aesthetic and environmental quality of school grounds; and

WHEREAS, according to the California Schoolyard Tree Canopy Equity study of 2023, PUSD school sites range between 8% and 15% tree canopy coverage; and

WHEREAS, urban forestry experts recommends increasing tree canopy to 30% and reducing asphalt by 50% in outdoor areas is a critical step toward protecting students from the dangers of extreme heat, while also aligning with best practices for urban sustainability and providing a more balanced, natural environment for students to learn and play; and

WHEREAS, in 2021, the PUSD Board of Education approved Resolution 2621 Expansion of Immersive Outdoor Learning Opportunities;

WHEREAS, effective tree stewardship requires more than planting; it demands careful species selection suited to local microclimates, soil conditions, and utility infrastructure, as well as long-term maintenance plans to ensure tree survival and health; and

WHEREAS, transparency and accountability are essential to the successful implementation of this initiative, requiring regular public reporting on progress, challenges, and outcomes; and

WHEREAS, leveraging the expertise of community partners, non-profit organizations, arborists, horticulturists, and landscape architects will enhance the District’s capacity to achieve these goals efficiently and sustainably;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Education of the Pasadena Unified School District as follows:

Section 1. Establishment of Goal The District hereby establishes a binding goal to increase the tree canopy coverage to at least thirty percent (30%) of all outdoor areas designated for student learning, play, and circulation on District-owned campuses by the year 2030. “Tree canopy” shall be defined as the area covered by the leaves, branches, and stems of trees looking down from above, measured as a percentage of total impervious and pervious surface area within defined campus zones excluding buildings, parking structures, and athletic fields where root intrusion poses safety risks. This goal aligns with the broader California Schoolyard Forest System objective to protect students from extreme heat.

Section 2. Comprehensive Tree Mapping and Assessment Within six (6) months of the adoption of this Resolution, the Superintendent or designee shall initiate a comprehensive audit of all District campuses to: (a) Utilize satellite imagery, LiDAR technology, or manual surveys to map existing tree canopy coverage at each site with high precision; (b) Assess the health, age, and structural integrity of existing trees; (c) Identify suitable locations for new planting, taking into account underground utilities, drainage patterns, pedestrian traffic, and building proximity; and (d) Establish a baseline canopy percentage for each individual campus to allow for disaggregated progress tracking, specifically identifying campuses with the lowest canopy coverage relative to student population density.

Section 3. Strategic Curation and Species Selection The District shall develop a Native and Adaptive Species Strategy that prioritizes: (a) Drought-tolerant, native, and locally adapted species that require minimal irrigation once established; (b) Biodiversity to reduce vulnerability to pests, diseases, and climate shifts; (c) Shade-producing varieties appropriate for specific microclimates and sun exposures; and (d) Avoidance of species known for invasive roots, hazardous drop hazards, or excessive allergenic pollen near classrooms and playgrounds.

Section 3A. Inclusive Design and Equitable Access All greening initiatives under this Resolution shall adhere to principles of inclusive design to ensure that benefits are equitably distributed among all students, regardless of ability, socioeconomic status, or background. Specifically: (a) Accessibility: New plantings and landscaping modifications must comply with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards, ensuring clear pathways, accessible seating under shaded areas, and tactile elements for students with visual impairments. Root barriers and paving materials must prevent tripping hazards and accommodate mobility devices. (b) Equitable Shade Distribution: Priority for new canopy installation shall be given to areas currently lacking adequate shade, particularly those disproportionately used by students from historically marginalized communities or located in “heat islands” identified in campus audits. (c) Cultural Relevance: Species selection and garden designs shall reflect the cultural diversity of the District’s student body, incorporating plants significant to local heritage and traditions where ecologically appropriate. (d) Sensory Considerations: Designs shall consider sensory needs, avoiding overly fragrant flowers or noisy foliage near quiet zones, while creating calming, restorative green spaces for social-emotional learning.

Section 4. Community Collaboration and Expert Partnership The Superintendent is authorized and directed to form an Urban Forestry Advisory Committee comprising representatives from: (a) Local community groups engaged in environmental justice and greening initiatives; (b) Subject matter experts including certified arborists, landscape architects, and horticulturists; (c) Partner organizations such as Friends of Parks, local botanical gardens, and university extension programs; and (d) Student leaders interested in sustainability and civic engagement. This committee shall advise on planting priorities, volunteer opportunities, educational programming, and potential funding sources.

Section 5. Transparent Progress Reporting To ensure accountability, the District shall publish an annual “Green Campus Report” beginning in the fiscal year following the completion of the initial mapping phase. This report shall include: (a) Updated canopy percentages for each campus compared to the baseline; (b) Number of trees planted, preserved, and removed; (c) Budget allocation and expenditures related to tree acquisition, planting, and maintenance; (d) Challenges encountered, such as water scarcity, construction conflicts, or pest outbreaks; and (e) Plans for the upcoming year, including targeted campuses for intervention. Reports shall be made publicly accessible on the District website and presented to the Board of Education annually.

Section 6. Integration with Educational Curriculum The District encourages the integration of urban forestry concepts into science, mathematics, and civics curricula where feasible, allowing students to participate in tree counting, monitoring growth, understanding ecosystem services, and engaging in hands-on stewardship activities.

Section 7. Funding and Resource Allocation The Superintendent shall explore diverse funding mechanisms to support this initiative, including but not limited to: (a) General Fund allocations for facilities maintenance; (b) Federal and state grants focused on climate resilience, environmental education, and infrastructure improvement; (c) Private philanthropy and corporate sponsorships; and (d) Volunteer labor coordinated through partner organizations.

Section 8. Implementation Timeline and Process The Superintendent or designee shall submit a detailed Implementation Plan to the Board of Education within twelve (12) months of the adoption of this Resolution. This Implementation Plan shall be directly informed by recommendations, data, and feedback provided by the Urban Forestry Advisory Committee established in Section 4. The plan shall outline phased targets, staffing needs, procurement processes, and risk management strategies to achieve the 30% canopy goal by 2030.

Section 9. Effective Date This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption.