Amigos de los Rios, a non-profit organization in California, is transforming Washington Elementary Stem magnet school in Pasadena by creating green spaces that benefit students’ health and well-being. The school, primarily attended by Latino and Black students from low-income households, previously lacked trees and outdoor amenities. With the help of volunteers, Amigos de los Rios has established a pollinator garden, vegetable beds, an outdoor classroom, and various play areas.

Access to green spaces is crucial for children’s health, but there is unequal distribution in areas like Los Angeles county due to historical injustices and racist policies. Amigos de los Rios aims to bridge this gap by greening schools and neighborhoods, emphasizing the importance of nature for children’s development and future well-being. The organization’s efforts have become even more critical as climate change intensifies extreme weather events.

Green spaces offer numerous benefits, from cooling cities and reducing pollution to improving academic performance and mental health. By planting trees and creating green schoolyards, organizations like Amigos de los Rios are working towards a more sustainable and resilient future for urban communities. Despite challenges and pushback, these initiatives play a vital role in combating nature deficit disorder and promoting environmental equity for all. The urgency to address the heat issue and provide equitable access to green spaces is clear, especially for vulnerable communities.