Volunteers with Amigos de los Ríos at a recent event to keep San Rafael Elementary green (Photo – Amigos de los Ríos)
Southern California residents will have a chance to see how traditional schoolyards are being transformed into vibrant, eco-friendly learning environments during the Green Schools Tour on Saturday, May 2, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.
By Melanie Hooks
The free, self-guided event invites visitors to explore campuses across Pasadena, Altadena, El Monte, Rosemead, and Los Angeles, where asphalt-heavy grounds have been reimagined as spaces for outdoor education, environmental stewardship, and community engagement.
Participants can design their own experience, visiting one or multiple sites at any time during the four-hour window. Hosts will be available at each location to guide guests and answer questions, with some campuses offering additional programming and activities.
One featured site is San Rafael Elementary School (1090 Nithsdale Rd, Pasadena, 91105), which has undergone significant greening efforts in recent years and is slated by the Pasadena Unified School District for demolition and rebuilding. Since 2022, the campus has evolved through community-driven projects that introduced native plants, expanded tree coverage, and added sustainable features such as bioswales and permeable pathways. Today, it boasts one of the highest tree canopy coverages among district elementary schools.
In Los Angeles, the Eagle Rock Elementary Living Classroom (2057 Fair Park Ave, Los Angeles, 90041) showcases a 3,200-square-foot native garden installed in late 2024. Designed to complement a place-based curriculum, the space encourages students to explore local natural and cultural history while fostering environmental responsibility.
The Jeff Seymour Family Center (10900 Mulhall Street, El Monte, 91731) highlights how green infrastructure can support broader community wellness. The campus features native landscaping, rain gardens, bioswales, and expanded tree canopy, creating a sustainable and welcoming environment for families.
At Mary W. Jackson Elementary (593 W Woodbury Rd, Altadena, 91001), more than 21,000 square feet of asphalt have been removed and replaced with permeable surfaces, outdoor classrooms, and native plantings. The redesign addresses heat reduction and stormwater management while expanding opportunities for nature-based play and learning.
Meanwhile, Garvey Intermediate School in Rosemead features a long-established nature garden with distinct ecological zones, including chaparral, riparian, and grassland habitats. A rare vernal pool on campus supports specialized plant species and fairy shrimp, making it a unique educational resource. Visitors on May 2 can also receive free native plants and participate in hands-on activities.
Organizers say the tour offers a firsthand look at how school communities, nonprofits, and local partners are collaborating to create greener, more resilient campuses that double as outdoor classrooms.
Attendance is free, and reservations can be made online.
Reserve your free spot for one, some, or all school tours at Eventbrite.
Initial funding and support came from the Garvey School District, Catalyst SGV, Rosemead Kiwanis, and other community partners. On May 2nd, Catalyst SGV is partnering with Aini California to offer free native plants, coloring pages, and materials for taking cuttings from the garden.
ActiveSGV: The Green Schools Tour Saturday, May 2, 2026 9:00 am - 1:00 pm Location Multiple Sites (see above). Reserve free spots at Eventbrite.
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