California’s first K-12 public school arboretum planted on MLK Day
The final trees to qualify Los Robles-Ronald McNair Academy as California’s first accredited arboretum on a K-12 public school campus were planted on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. This marks a significant milestone in the Ravenswood City School District’s ambitious journey to transform its schools into vibrant and modern learning environments that promote academic excellence and environmental leadership.
The historic arboretum is part of an effort called the Ravenswood Promise, a community-centered initiative to ensure every student in the district receives an exceptional and transformative education. Over the past 18 months, Ravenswood staff members, youth and families, and partner organizations have come together to define a shared vision of student success. Now, the district is implementing a community action plan to bring this Promise to life, including upgrading facilities, investing in academic and enrichment programs, and strengthening the bond between schools and their neighborhoods.
“The arboretum represents growth, resilience, and the power of community,” said Gina Sudaria, superintendent of the Ravenswood City School District. “It is a symbol of the transformation we are embarking upon — one rooted in hope, collaboration, and the promise of a brighter future for our students and their families.”
The Los Robles Arboretum will feature nearly 100 trees of at least 25 unique species, most of which have been or will be planted in a partnership with the school community and Canopy, a community forestry non-profit that has collaborated and partnered with East Palo Alto residents and institutions for the past 15 years. The Arbnet-accredited arboretum will be open to the general public during at least one community event a year and be governed by a body of Los Robles school community members. It is the first step in a larger effort to add nearly 300 trees to school campuses across RCSD.
“This arboretum is not just a collection of trees; it’s a livingg classroom and a testament to the power of collaboration,” said Jean-Paul Renaud, executive director of Canopy. “Urban forests are vital for the health of our cities and communities. Trees improve air quality, provide shade, and create habitats, while also fostering connection and pride. By partnering with Ravenswood City School District, we are helping to grow a greener, more equitable future.”
ArbNet created its Arboretum Accreditation Program to establish and share a widely recognized set of industry standards for the purpose of unifying the arboretum community. No other international program of accreditation exists that is specific to arboreta.
The planting initiative is funded by CALFIRE’s Green Schoolyards grant, a program dedicated to promoting urban forests in schools throughout California. The arboretum at Los Robles is one of the many examples of how the grant is enabling RCSD to create green, welcoming spaces that inspire learning and connection.
By planting the arboretum on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day — a day dedicated to service — RCSD and Canopy pay homage to the values of equity and community action that are integral to their shared missions.
The arboretum and RCSD’s greening projects are made possible through a partnership with Canopy and funded by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection’s Urban and Community Forestry Program, reflecting the district’s commitment to fostering sustainability, community, and growth. Note: The Arbnet Level 1 Arboretum Accreditation application will be submitted after the planting and the arboretum will be officially accredited once accepted.
Top photo Jesse Kornblum, probonophoto.org;
Second photo (man and child digging) by DJ Stamper, Treasured Visions;
Third photo (girl digging) by Jesse Kornblum,probonophoto.org;
Fourth photo (girl watering) by DJ Stamper, Treasured Visions
Fifth photo (girl with Canopy flag) by Jesse Kornblum, probonophoto.org
