A groundbreaking collaboration between the City of McAllen’s Quinta Mazatlán and McAllen Independent School District is reshaping the future of outdoor education in McAllen. Thanks to a $2.7 million grant awarded by Texas A&M Forest Service, seven elementary campuses will soon become vibrant Schoolyard Forests designed to connect students with nature while supporting health, learning, and community wellness.
The initiative reflects a growing national trend of transforming underused grassy areas on school campuses into Schoolyard Forests that support outdoor learning, student wellness, and environmental stewardship. By reimagining traditional open spaces as nature-rich environments, schools are creating opportunities for hands-on education, creativity, and physical activity while helping students build stronger connections with the natural world.
In addition to enriching education, the Schoolyard Forests will significantly expand tree canopy coverage on participating campuses. Many schoolyards currently average only about 10 percent tree canopy coverage, but the project aims to increase that number to nearly 30 percent over time, creating cooler, greener, and more welcoming environments for students and families alike.
As the Executive Director of Quinta Mazatlán, I get to step into a “pocket of paradise” every day, surrounded by nature, learning, and discovery. It is deeply meaningful to know that students and teachers across McAllen will soon have their own “pocket of paradise” as well, with spaces where nature becomes part of their school experience.
The project also extends beyond the classroom. Each campus will feature green spaces designed to connect with surrounding neighborhoods, offering areas for after-school recreation and community engagement.
Landscape architect Andrew Heffner of Heffner Landscape Design is leading the design process, while Southern Landscapes, led by Clay Frady, will oversee installation and implementation. Both teams share a commitment to creating long-
term environmental and educational benefits through nature-based campus design.
The environmental impact of the project is expected to be substantial. Strategically planted trees can help reduce urban heat, improve air quality, and conserve energy around school buildings. Carlos Garcia Batlan with Texas A&M Forest Service emphasized the educational value of greener campuses, noting, “Studies show that kids who spend time within trees do better in schools. Trees that are planted strategically near buildings and structures allow for energy conservation and can save up to 25 percent in energy cost.”
School leaders are already expressing excitement about the possibilities these outdoor classrooms will bring to students. Roosevelt Elementary Principal Rachel Montgomery shared, “It’s something that we’ve had on our wish list for a long time, to have outdoor learning spaces for our students.”
As the Schoolyard Forest initiative takes root across McAllen ISD, the partnership is planting more than trees, it is cultivating healthier students, stronger neighborhoods, and a greener future for the Rio Grande Valley.
