‘Outdoor Kids’ Are Happier, ‘Indoor Kids’ Are a Myth

Kids who play outside tend to be happier, healthier, and better adjusted. Full stop.

Fatherly. Jun 12 2018. By Joshua A. Krisch: Studies suggest that our brains respond to nature by muting our stress responses, Mitchell says, decreasing the concentration of stress hormones circulating in our bodies and lowering our blood pressure. And that’s just from fleeting exposure to natural environments. Studies have shown that children who spend significant time outdoors are better able to pay attention in class and score higher on standardized tests. One 2005 study found that at-risk youth in California experienced a 27 percent increase in classroom behavior and mastery of science concepts after just one week of outdoor education. Read More

Garden Spaces for Learning

The Learning Counsel. January 20, 1018. By Kenna McHugh: Within the last ten years, more and more schools across the country are maintaining gardens as part of their curriculum. The gardens have flourished as a favorite activity in small and large to public and private schools. The Learning Counsel even conducted a Digital Curriculum Strategy Survey of 477 Schools and Districts that showed school gardens is a trend. Read Story

Senator Liu Honored, World Journal

By Ting Chuang. October 26, 2016. View Article

Daily News October 25, 2016

By David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG| Oct 25, 2016 |  Senator Carol Liu addresses school officials and students on hand for the dedication of a 1500 foot all-native garden at Pinewood Avenue Elementary School in Tujunga. The project, dedicated to the legacy of Senator Liu, is a joint effort between Pinewood Elementary, LAUSD, Beyond the Bell/ LA’s BEST After School Enrichment Program, FormLA Landscaping, and the Senator’s GREEN21 sustainability program.  View Full Story

Pinewood Elementary Garden and Orchard Dedicated

By Samuel Gilstrap | Oct 25, 2016 | Board of Education, Community Partners, Special Events, Sustainability  Board Member Mónica Ratliff joined dozens of students, parents, faculty, and community partners on Tuesday to celebrate the opening of a garden and orchard at Pinewood Avenue Elementary School in honor of California State Senator Carol Liu who will be retiring after 14 years representing the 25th District.  See Full Story

Pinewood Legacy Garden Dedication

Dozens of school staff, students, parents and community partners turned out October 25, 2016 for the dedication of the new all-native garden. The garden honors Senator Carol Liu (SD-25), a champion for children and the environment.

Principal Patrizia Pucci with Pinewood Elementary Student Leaders

Board member Radliff thanks Senator Liu for her years of service and dedication to California’s children.

A tile identifying a Pomegranate tree, the native tree of Armenia, that commemorates the Armenian genocide.

Principal Patrizia Pucci and Pinewood Elementary mothers present for the rededication of the garden’s Pomegranate tree.

The Pomegranate tree now located in an orchard alongside Fuji apple and Clementine trees has special significance to the community.

LAUSD Board Member Radliff with Senator Liu and a Pomegranate tree commemorating the Armenian genocide.

Board member Radliff, Senator Liu, garden sponsor Maria Mehranian, and LA’s BEST’s Edith Ballesteros

Senator Carol Liu

Shaded seating within the native garden invites students to rest in the shade.

Young carex pansa and white sage are marked with ceramic tiles by Rachel Murphy.

A bird bath supports wildlife drawn to the garden.

Garden signage highlights native plants.

The project team and sponsors join Senator Liu in the shaded native garden.

Photos provided by Samuel Gilstrap, LAUSD, and Vickere Murphy, Senator Liu’s GREEN21 Project.

Native Garden at Pinewood Elementary Honors Senator Carol Liu Legacy

GREEN21 Project Commemorates the Senator’s Commitment to Children and the Environment

October 25, 2016, LOS ANGELES – Dozens of school staff, students, parents and community partners turned out today for the dedication of a new 1500 square foot all-native garden at Pinewood Avenue Elementary School in the Northeast Los Angeles neighborhood of Tujunga. The garden honors Senator Carol Liu (SD-25), a champion for children and the environment.

“I am honored that my staff and constituents thought to commemorate my work in a way that creates ongoing value to the 25^th District,” stated Senator Liu, who learned at the event that the gardens were created in her honor. The senator terms out of office November 30^th after 14 years in the state legislature.

View Full Press Release