Tulsa Public Schools Master Plan.

At September’s Tulsa Public Schools Board of Education meeting, Up With Trees presented on the development of a districtwide Urban Forest Master Plan.

This presentation comes after Tulsa Public Schools (TPS) set a goal in 2017 to increase tree canopy coverage from 5% to 10% for each of their campuses. Generously funded by the Joe & Jean Holliman Family Foundation, this goal launched a collaborative visioning process to create a resilient, safe, and connected urban forest on TPS grounds.

This process involved a comprehensive review and assessment of the existing urban forest, including species composition, structural value, and environmental benefits. Additionally, input was collected from multiple stakeholders (including district and campus administration, grounds personnel, and faculty) who play a role in the planning, care, and advocacy of the trees on TPS campuses. All stakeholder feedback, paired with the data collected on their existing urban forest, establishes a roadmap toward increased canopy coverage.

The mission of this plan is to guide the management and growth of Tulsa Public Schools’ green infrastructure; to understand the contribution trees have on the health and wellbeing of our students and community, and to facilitate the role an urban forest offers in creating a healthy, and engaging learning environment.

Through a cost-effective and efficient strategy, Up With Trees will:

• Plant 2,000+ Trees On 72 TPS Properties
• Educate students At 65 Schools About The Urban Forest Around Them
• Develop And Implement A Long-Term Maintenance Plan
• Provide Training And Support For TPS Grounds Crews