Last Wednesday, Casey Trees joined forces with Imagine Morningside Public Charter School for a record-breaking planting event, adding 38 trees to the school yard—the most we’ve planted at a single school in years! This effort marked an exciting step in our mission to transform schoolyards into greener, healthier, and more welcoming spaces for students and staff.
This planting was made possible by an Urban and Community Forestry Grant from the U.S. Forest Service, funded through the Inflation Reduction Act. This initiative is part of a five-year commitment to plant 10,000 trees in underserved communities across the capital region, including 1,125 trees at schools. Imagine Morningside is just one of several schools in Prince George’s County to benefit from this funding, in addition to nearby Benjamin D. Foulois Creative and Performing Arts School where we planted 26 trees the previous week. These school plantings were also supported by Dr. Kenneth Harris, school board member, rocket engineer, and community advocate for climate action.
While planting, Dr. Harris shared some insight into the future legacy of these trees. “Seeing the impacts of climate change through the lens of orbital technology you’ve designed is a pretty unique experience. But collaborating to do something about it with students learning in the same public school system that raised me, is an experience I’ll never forget. In PGCPS, we’re serious about our scholar’s experience both in and out of the schoolhouse. There’s no better way to engage and encourage our future world changers than by lifting lessons off the pages of their textbooks. All while reinforcing the need to protect their home planet and communities through sustainable & conscientious choices. Planting at Benjamin D. Foulois and Imagine Morningside helps us move the needle for the entire city of Morningside, positioned inside the beltway near an active Air Force base. The participation of our scholars, school leaders, and Casey Trees will work to improve air quality, amongst other benefits, for generations to come.”
The new trees will make an immediate impact on campus. Many were strategically planted around playgrounds that currently lack shade, creating cooler, more comfortable areas for students to play, learn, and socialize. As these trees grow, they’ll also provide cleaner air, reduce urban heat, support wildlife, and manage stormwater—all while enhancing the overall beauty of the schoolyard.
A highlight of the planting was the design of an outdoor classroom space, which will flourish into a vibrant learning space for students across seasons. Picture the schoolyard in a few years: students gathered under the leafy canopy, engaging in lessons, reading books, or simply enjoying the fresh air. This thoughtful design ensures that these trees will be not only functional but integral to the student’s educational experience.
But what truly made this event special was the incredible enthusiasm of the school community. The 8th graders, in particular, stood out as an inspiring group. Many of them expressed dreams of becoming foresters and environmental stewards when they grow up (with a gentle reminder from us to finish school first). Their passion and curiosity were a testament to the nurturing culture cultivated by Imagine Morningside’s outstanding staff.
“We had so many students tell me that they wanted to do this for a living,” said Sam Nelson, Casey Trees’s youth programs forester, who coordinates the school plantings. “One eighth-grader asked me, ‘How do I become a forester?’ which made my green heart sing. We want students to see urban ecology and forestry as viable, exciting academic and career choices. But more broadly, we also want kids to understand there are positive steps we can take to address and adapt to climate change. We have to resist the complacency of doom-and-gloom messaging about our future.”
These plantings and lessons help support the county’s Climate Action Plan (CAP) as well as Prince George’s County Public Schools’ Climate Change Action Plan (CCAP) through increased canopy coverage, ecosystem services, and green career connections for students. Furthermore, tree plantings can help bolster school applications and recertifications in the Maryland Green Schools Program (MGSP), established by the Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education (MAEOE). Currently, there are over 650 Green Schools in Maryland, and 150 of them are in Prince George’s County, the most of any school district in the state. Schools interested can apply now for next school year.
This record-setting planting is just the beginning. Together, we’re transforming schoolyards across the DMV into thriving green spaces that improve the quality of life for students and communities alike. As we look ahead, we encourage everyone from the school to do their part to help care for these trees to ensure they thrive for generations to come. Every tree planted is a step toward a greener, healthier future for all. Schools in Prince George’s County that want to participate in a tree planting with Casey Trees or learn more can submit a form here. Scroll down to enjoy some snapshots from the planting!
