Carthay Elementary School is replacing the lawn in front of the school with drought tolerant native plants to support indigenous ecology and wildlife.

(photo courtesy of Jonathan Armstrong)

The school is an environmental studies magnet campus. Last year, 1st grade students at the school studied weather and water conservation and the impact they have on the environment. The students created a list of ways to save water and identified areas that needed improvement on the campus. As part of the project, students wrote to the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) to propose removing the front lawn and replacing it with drought-tolerant plants.

Parents and staff supported the students by writing a grant proposal to the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to cover the cost of plants, materials and labor. LAUSD approved the project and applauded the efforts of students, teachers and parents.

The project features two new oak trees and a native meadow area, walking paths and a rainwater retention feature that will capture water from the school’s roof. The rainwater capture feature will support student studies of water conservation methods. The downspouts will be redirected to the new meadow area to replenish groundwater and irrigate plants.

Carthay Elementary School is located at 6351 W. Olympic Blvd. For information, call (323)935-8173, or visit carthaycenterschool.org.