Trees for Schools

Seeking Reliable Tree Stewards!

Seattle Public Schools needs your help to steward newly planted trees for schools throughout the city during the summer months. Sign up now to become a Tree Steward at a school near you!

To learn more, visit the Tree Lorax Volunteer webpage.

This is a rewarding and fun activity for families and individuals of all ages.
Great way to help increase tree canopy in Seattle and positively impact the physical and mental well-being of our communities.
Take your photo with the tree(s) under your care on day one and watch it grow through the years!

Three students planting a tree — Students plant a new tree at their school.

Would you like to plant a tree at your school?

Trees require a five year commitment to summer watering to ensure long-term success, and school sites often come with unique considerations. Our team is here to help you get started, submit a Self Help Application to begin.

The city of Seattle has partnered with SPS Volunteer Enhancement Projects formerly know as Self Help projects to provide free trees to our schools. Learn more on the Trees for Neighborhoods website.

Thank you for helping us grow strong trees so everyone can enjoy their environmental and health benefits!

John H. Stanford Memorial Grove

The John H. Stanford Memorial Grove was established and planted in 2001 to create a living legacy for this former Superintendent of Seattle Public Schools. John Stanford was superintendent from 1995 until his passing from leukemia on November 28, 1998.

John Stanford was a staunch supporter of education who brought positive changes to Seattle Public Schools that are still being felt today. 72 school sites offered to steward trees however construction at some sites reduced this number. An inventory of school sites is maintained and updated every 5 years. The most recent inventory can be found here John Stanford Memorial Grove Inventory

Volunteer Enhancement Projects is working towards re-establishing trees to maintain this grove at all school sites, and you can help! We are in the process of creating identification labels for each established tree.