Does your school have a space that could be transformed by trees? Whether it’s providing shade for play, reducing glare and heat in classrooms, creating an inspiring outdoor classroom, or establishing a food forest, trees can provide many benefits!

The Climate Smart Schoolyards Program is a new financial and technical assistance package offered by the Vermont Urban & Community Forestry Program (VT UCF) and the Vermont Department of Health (DOH). Through this pilot project, we invite schools to collaborate with us in addressing their unique needs and leveraging the power of trees to build a more resilient and sustainable environment.

Scope

VT UCF and DOH will work with one selected school partner to design a tree planting plan that directly addresses the school’s specific challenge(s). From cooling paved areas to adding natural beauty to open spaces, your project will be tailored to your needs. Possible project goals include:

• Shade Solutions: Provide relief from intense sun and reduce cooling costs for buildings.
• Outdoor Classrooms: Create engaging spaces for learning and collaboration.
• Food Forests: Grow fresh, healthy produce to engage students and the community.
• Healthier Environments: Reduce noise, filter air pollution, and enhance biodiversity.
• Stormwater mitigation:  Support slow infiltration of water during storm events.

Assistance Package

$3,000 is available to support a partnership with one school. The financial and technical assistance package will include: 

• At least 2 site visits from VT UCF staff to the school to meet with project leads, assess site conditions, and establish a planting plan.
• Purchase and planting of trees suitable for school grounds.
• Purchase of essential supplies like irrigation tools and mulch to ensure successful establishment and growth.
• Development of a maintenance and care plan for existing schoolground trees (does not include removal).
• Tree care training by VT UCF staff for school staff and community members (optional).

Note: Funding does not cover benches, outdoor furniture, plaques, or other non-plant-related infrastructure. There will be no exchange of funds, and all coordination of plant purchase and planting will be done by VT UCF staff.

Eligibility

This program is open to public schools located in Vermont.

Partner Commitment

The selected school partner must commit to:

• Providing one lead project contact.
• Coordinating with VT UCF staff for the 2 site visits and 1-2 virtual meetings.
• Coordinating site logistics for tree planting and care.
• Supporting coordination of a volunteer day with students to plant trees (Fall 2025).
• Watering the planted trees throughout the 2025 and 2026 growing seasons, including the summer.

Memorandum of Understanding

After selection, VT UCF will work with selected partner to develop an Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which will be signed by both parties prior to the project commencing.

Timeline

• Application deadline: Monday, March 31st, 2025
• School selection and announcement: by April 11th, 2025
• Site visits and project planning: throughout the spring and summer of 2025
• Tree planting: Fall 2025

Questions

For more information or assistance, contact Gwen, gwen.kozlowski@uvm.edu or 802-656-7638.