2013 NUCFAC
USDA Forest Service grant, Greenschools!: Model for Green Communities
Project Learning Tree Partnership with the USDA Forest Service and Texas A&M Forest Service
​
Introduction
The partnership between Furr High School, Project Learning Tree (PLT), the USDA Forest Service, and Texas A&M Forest Service has significantly impacted environmental education and urban forestry initiatives. This collaboration has provided our students with exceptional opportunities to engage in hands-on learning, community projects, and career development in natural resource management.
​
Overview of the Partnership
Project Learning Tree (PLT): PLT is an environmental education program that uses trees and forests as windows to the world, helping students learn about the environment. PLT’s GreenSchools! program empowers students to lead environmental improvement projects within their schools and communities.
​
USDA Forest Service: This federal agency supports sustainable forestry practices and environmental education. Their collaboration with PLT has enhanced our ability to deliver comprehensive forestry education and practical experiences to our students.
Texas A&M Forest Service: Known for its expertise in forestry and environmental conservation, the Texas A&M Forest Service provides valuable resources, training, and support for our educational programs and community initiatives.
Key Projects and Initiatives
GreenSchools! Model for Green Communities
-
Project Overview: This initiative engaged underserved communities in Houston’s East End, transforming urban food deserts into vibrant green spaces. Students conducted environmental assessments and implemented action projects focused on urban forest management, food gardens, career development, and community outreach.
-
Impact: The project reached over 7,000 students, 80 educators, and 125 community members. Over 100 trees and numerous vegetable gardens were planted, providing shade and fresh produce to 100,000 East End residents. Approximately 120 high school students served as Green Ambassadors, leading the program and mentoring peers​​​​.
Professional Development and Workshops
-
Workshops and Training: The partnership offered workshops and training sessions for teachers, students, and community members, covering topics such as tree inventory, site planning, and urban forest management. Foresters and arborists provided training to ensure the effective implementation of these plans.
-
Youth Leadership: Training focused on developing youth leadership skills, enabling students to become Green Ambassadors and leaders within their schools and communities​​​​.
Houston East End Greenbelt
-
Creation and Benefits: The Houston East End Greenbelt linked school gardens and tree plantings, forming a continuous green space that improved air quality and provided fresh produce. Students planted over 200 trees and created 200 vegetable garden beds, producing approximately 3,000 pounds of vegetables for community food banks​​​​.
Career Development and Scholarships
-
Pathways to Natural Resource Careers: The project provided scholarships and career development opportunities, with students receiving funds to attend forestry and agriculture programs at Stephen F. Austin State University. This initiative encouraged a pathway to careers in natural resources and STEM fields
. -
Community Engagement: The project also offered mentorship from professionals in urban forestry-related fields, fostering direct exposure to potential career pathways for students​​​​.
Inspirational Leadership ​
Juan Elizondo and David Salazar, agriculture instructors at Furr High School, have been pivotal in implementing and sustaining the GreenSchools! program. Their leadership and passion have inspired both students and staff, contributing to the program's success.
Tips for Establishing a Green Team or Green Ambassadors Program:
​
-
High-Energy Leadership: Select a lead teacher with enthusiasm and dedication. At Furr High School, this was crucial in motivating students and sustaining momentum.
-
Flexible Scheduling: Schedule work at convenient times. Furr High School completed much of their work after school and on weekends, while Jackson Middle School's Green Team worked in the garden before school.
-
Student Leadership: Give students opportunities to lead. When students have ownership and autonomy, they rise to the challenge, setting the stage for future leaders.
-
Thorough Training: Ensure youth leaders receive ample training. Enthusiastic leaders need skills, knowledge, and supervised practice to be effective mentors.
-
Resourcefulness: Utilize partnerships for funding and resources. The Houston East End Greenbelt used a PLT GreenWorks! grant and support from the Arbor Day Foundation’s Nature Explore program.
-
Patience and Commitment: Programs need time to grow. Teachers and administrators must be committed, engaged, and patient to see significant results.
-
Community Advisory Team: Establish a strong Community Advisory Team to support teachers and students, ensuring the program's sustainability.
-
Wise Spending: Conduct thorough research to make informed spending decisions. Students at Project Chrysalis Middle School, for example, chose to buy a new greenhouse instead of repairing an old one after comparing costs.
-
Regular Evaluation: Continuously evaluate program efforts to ensure goals are being met and to make necessary adjustments.
Study Summaries and Publications
-
Overview: This study highlights the transformation of urban food deserts into food forests through the GreenSchools! program. The project engaged over 7,000 students and 80 educators, planting more than 100 trees and numerous vegetable gardens in Houston’s East End​​​​.
-
Impact: The initiative provided environmental awareness, career development opportunities, and community outreach, significantly improving the local environment and food security.
2. Greenschools!: Model for Green Communities
-
Overview: This project involved 11 schools, reaching over 7,000 students and 80 educators. It focused on environmental assessments, action projects, and urban forest management, aiming to engage the East End community and schools in environmental education and stewardship​​​​.
-
Outcomes: The project developed site assessments, conducted workshops, and provided scholarships, resulting in significant community engagement and sustainable urban forestry practices.
3."From Food Desert to Food Forest"
Details how students from East End schools in Houston, Texas, transformed their community by planting fruit trees and creating vegetable gardens.
​
4."Latino Youth Conservation Leaders, Forest Service Leaders Share Blissful Experience of Transformational Conservation Successes" highlights the collaboration between Latino youth conservation leaders and the U.S. Forest Service. Students from Houston’s East End Greenbelt project, shared their conservation efforts at the National Environmental Justice Conference in Washington, D.C. The partnership aims to promote conservation education among diverse urban communities, transforming food deserts into food forests and fostering future leaders in natural resources.
​
Conclusion
The partnership between Project Learning Tree, the USDA Forest Service, and Texas A&M Forest Service has been instrumental in transforming Furr High School into a leader in environmental education and urban forestry. Through hands-on projects, professional development, and community engagement, we are nurturing the next generation of environmental stewards and leaders. This collaboration has not only enriched our students' learning experiences but also made a lasting impact on our community's sustainability and resilience.
For more information, please visit Project Learning Tree.