Planting the Future: Capitol Students Lead the Way in Sustainability

In a collaboration between Capitol Elementary and the Arizona Sustainability Alliance (ASA), fourth, fifth, and sixth grade students had the chance to dig deep—both literally and figuratively—into environmental stewardship. On a bright fall morning, students worked side by side with ASA volunteers to plant 29 trees across the Capitol campus, a project made possible through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Grant from the City of Phoenix.

With shovels in hand and buckets ready, students received hands-on instruction on the proper way to plant trees. The ASA team guided them through each step, ensuring the trees would thrive in their new home. The group planted Red Push Pistachios, Chinese Elms, Chaste Trees, and Desert Willows in the north field, while Texas Mountain Laurels and Southern Live Oaks found their new home in the south field. Wooden posts were carefully driven into the ground to help guide each tree’s growth.

The tree planting was an opportunity for Capitol Elementary students to contribute to their community’s sustainability efforts. ASA’s involvement ensured that students were not only planting trees, but also learning essential life skills like teamwork, responsibility, and environmental stewardship.

This initiative is part of a plan for improving Phoenix's tree equity score. By adding these 29 trees to the campus, students help reduce the heat island effect, provide shade for future generations, and improve air quality in the area.