Growing a Greener Future for Salina Schools 

Located in a dense urban environment and surrounded by industry and commerce, Salina Schools in Dearborn lacked the outdoor spaces essential to promote student well-being. The core of Levy’s mission is to create a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future. So we eagerly stepped up to create change by collaborating with Salina Schools to help bring their Green Schoolyards vision to life.

The goal of Green Schoolyards is to expand access to green spaces for students by transforming the buildings’ landscape with native vegetation, rain gardens, trees, nature playscapes and outdoor classrooms. Studies show that learning and playing outside in a safe environment promotes healthy development in children. For example, time in nature has a positive impact on students by teaching them about science in the real world. Similarly, environmental stewardship expands students’ capacity for free play, strengthens physical health by increasing physical activity, and improves mental health and social-emotional development.

This year our team helped plant 30 new trees at Salina Schools. Following planting, Levy committed to watering the trees, ensuring proper growth and resiliency, especially during the summer when students and staff are on summer break. Our crews are also in the process of removing concrete and replacing it with permeable surfaces, helping prevent flooding and promoting sustainability.

“Levy’s commitment to our schools, our students, and the environment has been extraordinary,” said Dr. Jill Chochol, executive director of student achievement at Salina Schools. “They’ve helped us bring our vision of Green Schoolyards to life. Beyond assisting us in our creation of outdoor green spaces, Levy also donated a filtered water drinking fountain along with impactful funds to support our mission. Our partnership with Levy not only enhances the school and physical environment but also strengthens the bonds of our community by working together to create healthier spaces for our future generations.”

Our partnership with Salina Schools is more than planting trees. Together we’re cultivating hope, health, and growth for the entire community.