APS Schoolyard Canopy & Pollinator Project

The Atlanta Urban Garden Council is coordinating a district-wide greening of five Atlanta Public Schools campuses — locations selected for having below-average tree canopy (under 9%) and high concentrations of heat-vulnerable students. The project plants 220 native shade and fruit trees across school grounds and adjacent street rights-of-way, plus establishes three pollinator meadows (3,200 sq ft total) using Georgia native wildflower mixes. Each school has a Green Team of students who will maintain plantings and track canopy growth as part of their science curriculum. The project is endorsed by the APS Office of Sustainability and is being matched by a $30,000 urban forestry grant.