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Project CANOPY

Project CANOPY

Cultivating And Nurturing Our Planet’s Youth

Project CANOPY is a partnership with Northside Independent School District (NISD) that inspires young minds to become passionate about trees and the environment. Through hands-on learning and participation in The GLOBE Program, students gain valuable experience and connect with a global community dedicated to a greener future.

What is The GLOBE Program?

The Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment Program is an international science and education program that focuses on:

  • Increasing environmental awareness
  • Contributing to scientific understanding of the Earth
  • Supporting improved student achievement in science and mathematics

How Does Project CANOPY Work?

Student Engagement​

Project CANOPY engages 4th and 5th graders from participating NISD elementary schools.

Hands-on Learning

Students actively participate in planting trees on their school campuses, learning proper planting techniques and the environmental benefits of trees.

Curriculum Integration

This project expands the Environmental Science curriculum by providing real-world application of scientific concepts.

Global Connection

Schools participate in The GLOBE Program, fostering scientific literacy and connecting with a global community passionate about the environment.

Project CANOPY in Action!

Throughout the 2023-2024 school year, Project CANOPY has successfully planted 510 trees across five participating schools:

  • Dr. Martha Mead Elementary School (98 trees)
  • Jim G. Martin Elementary School (112 trees)
  • Gregorio Esparza Elementary School (58 trees)
  • Frances M. Rhodes Elementary School (100 trees)
  • Rita Kay Driggers Elementary School (142 trees)

These five schools were chosen due to their risk factors as shown in My City’s Trees.

On October 3rd, 2023, 58 trees were planted with over 150 4th and 5th grade students!

Thank you to the NISD maintenance team for prepping the site/ drilling the holes and the American Youthworks crew for leading the student groups! Thank you to all of the volunteers who came out to help plant the trees and to the Nancy Smith Hurd Foundation, The Texas Forest Service, and the City of San Antonio Parks Department for funding this school.

Interactive Map of Trees Planted at Esparza Elementary

Project CANOPY Mead Elementary

On October 24th, 2023, 98 trees were planted with over 250 4th and 5th grade students!

Thank you to the NISD maintenance team for prepping the site/ drilling the holes and the American Youthworks crew for leading the student groups! Thank you to all of the volunteers who came out to help plant the trees and to the Nancy Smith Hurd Foundation, The Texas Forest Service, H-E-B, and Texan By Nature for funding this school.

Project CANOPY Driggers Elementary

On November 3rd, 2024, Texas Arbor Day, 142 trees were planted with over 150 4th and 5th grade students!

Thank you to the NISD maintenance team for prepping the site/ drilling the holes and the American Youthworks crew for leading the student groups! Thank you to all of the volunteers who came out to help plant the trees and to the Nancy Smith Hurd Foundation, The Texas Forest Service, American Forests, Microsoft, and Walmart for funding this school.

Interactive Map of Trees Planted at Driggers Elementary

Project CANOPY Rhodes Elementary

On February 24, 2024, over 150 4th and 5th-grade students planted 92 additional trees, totaling 100 trees added to this campus!

Thank you to the NISD maintenance team for prepping the site and drilling the holes and the American Youthworks crew for leading the student groups! Thank you to all the volunteers who came out to help plant the trees and to the Nancy Smith Hurd Foundation, The Texas Forest Service, Microsoft, and American Forests for funding this school.

Interactive map of trees planted at Rhodes Elementary

Project CANOPY Martin Elementary

On March 4th, 2024, 112 additional trees were planted with over 150 4th and 5th-grade students, totaling 120 trees added to this campus!

Thank you to the NISD maintenance team for prepping the site/ drilling the holes and the American Youthworks crew for leading the student groups! Thank you to all volunteers, including those from St. Anthony Catholic High School who came out to help plant the trees, and to the Nancy Smith Hurd Foundation, The Texas Forest Service, and The City of San Antonio Parks Department for funding this school.

Interactive Map of Trees Planted at Martin Elementary

Thank you to our funding partners!

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