October 26, 2025

Polk Middle School Students Plant Native Trees in Albuquerque

Albuquerque, October 26, 2025

Students at Polk Middle School in Albuquerque engaged in a meaningful environmental project by planting 50 native trees during Outdoor Learning Week. This initiative, aimed at enhancing the school’s green spaces, involved collaboration with the city’s forestry division and local community volunteers. Beyond beautifying the campus, the project successfully stimulated student interest in STEM subjects, linking real-world applications to environmental science. Funded by a $5,000 grant, it also set the stage for future outdoor learning opportunities, including the development of a new outdoor classroom.

Albuquerque

Polk Middle School Students Plant 50 Native Trees to Mark Outdoor Learning Week

On October 26, 2025, students at Polk Middle School in Albuquerque planted 50 native trees on their campus as part of Outdoor Learning Week. This hands-on environmental project brought together seventh-graders from science classes and the city’s forestry division, aiming to improve the school’s green spaces while teaching students about key concepts in ecology and sustainability. The event highlighted the growing emphasis on outdoor education within Albuquerque Public Schools (APS), offering students a practical way to engage with environmental issues right in their urban backyard.

The tree-planting initiative focused on native species, which are well-suited to the local climate and require less water and maintenance compared to non-native varieties. Seventh-graders spent the day digging, planting, and learning how these trees contribute to biodiversity and air quality in Albuquerque’s urban environment. The collaboration with the city’s forestry division provided expert guidance, ensuring the trees were placed in optimal locations on campus to maximize their impact. This activity not only beautified the school grounds but also served as a living classroom for lessons on topics like photosynthesis, soil health, and the role of plants in combating climate change.

Impact on Education and Student Engagement

Early feedback from the project indicates a noticeable increase in student interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects. By getting outside the traditional classroom, students connected theoretical knowledge with real-world applications, fostering a deeper understanding of environmental science. The principal at Polk Middle School noted that such projects help make abstract concepts more relatable, encouraging curiosity and participation in science classes. Teachers reported that discussions about the trees extended beyond the planting day, with students asking questions about long-term care and the broader effects on local wildlife.

The event was supported by a $5,000 environmental grant, which covered the cost of the trees, tools, and educational materials. Part of the funding went toward developing a new outdoor classroom on campus, featuring shaded seating areas and interactive displays about native plants. This space will allow for future lessons in biology, environmental studies, and even art, where students can sketch the landscape or write about their observations. The grant underscores APS’s commitment to integrating sustainability into the curriculum, aligning with state educational goals that emphasize experiential learning.

Community Involvement and Future Plans

Community volunteers played a key role in the day’s activities, joining students to help with planting and cleanup. Their participation reinforced the project’s goal of building stronger ties between schools and neighborhoods, promoting awareness of green initiatives in Albuquerque. Volunteers assisted in educating the students on proper planting techniques and discussed the importance of community-driven efforts to expand green spaces in urban areas, where development often reduces natural habitats.

Looking ahead, APS plans to expand similar programs to other schools in the district. The success at Polk Middle School has sparked interest from administrators, who see it as a model for incorporating outdoor learning across grade levels. Future initiatives may include monitoring the trees’ growth over time, involving students in data collection to track environmental benefits like improved air quality. This could lead to annual events during Outdoor Learning Week, with partnerships from local environmental groups to sustain the momentum.

Broader Context of Outdoor Learning in Albuquerque Public Schools

Outdoor Learning Week, observed statewide in New Mexico, encourages schools to step outside and explore nature-based education. In Albuquerque, this aligns with ongoing efforts to address urban environmental challenges, such as heat islands and limited access to parks. APS has increasingly incorporated such programs to meet federal and state standards for environmental education, preparing students for careers in growing fields like conservation and renewable energy. The Polk event is one of several recent activities, including school gardens and field trips to local nature reserves, that demonstrate how APS is adapting its teaching methods to be more inclusive and relevant to students’ lives.

Projects like this also respond to community feedback calling for more green initiatives in schools. With Albuquerque’s population growth, maintaining and creating green spaces on campuses helps mitigate urban sprawl’s effects. Early evaluations from similar past efforts show that outdoor activities can improve student attendance and mental health, as well as academic performance in science-related subjects. As APS seeks input on its budget, initiatives like the tree planting highlight how targeted funding can yield lasting educational and ecological benefits.

The planting of 50 native trees at Polk Middle School represents a small but significant step toward a greener, more educated Albuquerque. By blending environmental action with learning, the school is setting an example for how urban education can nurture both future scientists and stewards of the planet. With expansion plans in place, this could inspire a wave of similar projects across the district, benefiting students and the community for years to come.

FAQ

What happened at Polk Middle School on October 26, 2025?

Students at Polk Middle School in Albuquerque planted 50 native trees on campus as part of Outdoor Learning Week.

Who participated in the tree-planting project?

Seventh-graders from science classes collaborated with the city’s forestry division, and community volunteers also joined the effort.

What did students learn from the activity?

The project taught students about ecology and sustainability through hands-on planting of native trees.

How was the initiative funded?

It was funded by a $5,000 environmental grant, which also supports a new outdoor classroom.

What are the plans for the future?

Albuquerque Public Schools plans to expand similar programs to other schools, building on the success at Polk Middle School.

Key Features of the Tree-Planting Initiative

Feature	Description
Date	October 26, 2025
Location	Polk Middle School campus in Albuquerque
Number of Trees Planted	50 native trees
Participants	Seventh-graders, city’s forestry division, community volunteers
Educational Focus	Ecology and sustainability
Funding	$5,000 environmental grant
Additional Outcome	New outdoor classroom and increased STEM interest