LYNWOOD, CA – Lynwood Unified School District is teaming up with SLA Inc. to transform 10 school sites and campuses into sustainable green spaces in which to learn and grow through The Lynwood Greening Initiative, a project funded by nearly $2 million in CAL FIRE grants.

The initiative, which will roll out over the next three years, will revamp 10 sites – Firebaugh High School, Hosler Middle School and Mark Twain, Helen Keller, Lincoln, Lugo, Roosevelt and Washington elementary schools, and the Early Childhood Education (ECE) centers at Lindbergh and Will Rogers elementary schools – into eco-friendly hubs that reflect the community’s vision while providing students with hands-on environmental learning experiences.

“We’re thrilled to work alongside Lynwood Unified to create spaces that bring joy, foster learning and improve the well-being of students and the entire community,” SLA President Jessie Salazar said. “Together, we’re building green environments that will help students thrive and bring people together.”

Through workshops and surveys, students, families and staff have a chance to share their ideas for features like shaded gathering spots and natural play areas. This hands-on process ensures the new green spaces are tailored to the unique needs of each school while also providing valuable opportunities for environmental education.

Earlier this month, SLA broke ground on the ECE center at Lindbergh and is set to break ground on the ECE center at Will Rogers this spring. By 2028, all 10 campuses will feature outdoor learning spaces, new trees and irrigation systems, and sustainable landscapes with vibrant native plants that will last for generations.

This marks the second major sustainability project for the District this school year. In partnership with environmental nonprofit TreePeople, Lynwood Unified was awarded a $1 million CAL FIRE Green Schoolyards grant to transform three campuses – Abbott and Lindbergh elementary schools and Vista High School – into greener, more sustainable spaces. This project includes planting 110 trees and 1,800 California native plants and removing over 40,000 square feet of asphalt by Fall 2025.

“Lynwood Unified is committed to sustainability and addressing climate change by creating learning environments where our students can thrive, grow and develop the skills to lead a greener future,” Superintendent Gudiel R. Crosthwaite, Ph.D. said. “Through this partnership, we are making a meaningful impact today and empowering our students to become tomorrow’s environmental leaders. This milestone reflects our dedication to building a healthier, more sustainable Lynwood for future generations.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

LUSD_GREENLYNWOOD_1: The Early Childhood Education (ECE) center at Lindbergh Elementary School is being transformed into a greener space through the Lynwood Greening Initiative, a collaborative project with nonprofit SLA Inc. It is one of 10 District sites benefiting from nearly $2 million in CAL FIRE grants to create sustainable, eco-friendly environments.

LUSD_GREENLYNWOOD_2: Rendering for the ECE center at Lindbergh Elementary School, which will enhance the space with diverse and native plants, new green space and outdoor education spaces to promote environmental awareness and stewardship.