Los Angeles Students Honor Dr. Jane Goodall's Legacy Through Climate Action Initiative
In an inspiring move, over a thousand students in Los Angeles have come together to honor the legacy of Dr. Jane Goodall, the renowned primatologist and conservationist who passed away six months ago. This initiative, known as TREEAMS (Trees + Dreams), was launched at EF Academy Pasadena, where students catalyzed their efforts in response to the devastating wildfires that impacted their communities in 2025.
The launch of TREEAMS is not just a tribute but also a transformative movement aimed at environmental restoration. During Earth Week, the students established a nursery on the EF Academy campus in collaboration with Saint Mark’s School. The nursery is the first step towards a more extensive goal of planting 5,000 trees in areas like Altadena and Pacific Palisades, which were heavily affected by the fires.
Dr. Goodall, who always championed the power of youth and environmental stewardship, emphasized the significance of such initiatives. “The TREEAMS movement represents the very best of what young people can achieve when they come together with courage and compassion,” she stated prior to her passing. The initiative, now realized by these students, is a testament to her enduring influence and vision for a sustainable future. It involves not only growing trees but fostering a sense of community and resilience, as these students actively engage in restoring their environment amidst the ongoing challenges they face.
The innovative model of TREEAMS enables students to cultivate native trees on school campuses until they are ready for permanent planting in affected areas. This forward-thinking approach allows students to take immediate action rather than waiting for homes to be rebuilt. Margarita Pagliai, co-founder of TREEAMS, emphasized the urgency and significance of the nursery project. “Six months after losing Dr. Goodall, her legacy is carried on through our students,” she shared, highlighting how young people are empowered by this initiative to play a role in their recovery efforts.
As part of the launch, the nursery currently houses 30 native California sycamores and coast live oaks, with students committed to caring for these saplings over the next two years. Plans are already in motion for a second TREEAMS nursery to open in Pacific Palisades in May, alongside expectations for multiple schools to adopt this impactful model within the next 9 to 12 months.
In addition to the nursery, TREEAMS activities extend far beyond, with students engaging in tree planting and ecological restorations across Los Angeles. One of the notable partnerships has been with California State Parks, which aims at revitalizing sections of Will Rogers State Historic Park by removing invasive species and planting native trees, underlining the importance of restoring natural habitats.
Moreover, the TREEAMS curriculum, developed in collaboration with the UCLA School of Education and EcoRise, equips students with valuable knowledge and skills related to reforestation and ecosystem recovery. This practical application of learning enhances their understanding of environmental issues while inspiring activism and stewardship.
Through TREEAMS, students not only participate in planting trees but also cultivate hope and actionable change within their communities. “This gives them a way to take part in rebuilding something real,” remarked Jennifer Tolbert, Head of School at Saint Mark's School, as she reflected on the personal significance of this initiative for many students still grappling with displacement.
This initiative serves as a poignant reminder that during challenging times, hope can blossom through concerted efforts and community spirit, especially when driven by the passion of youth. As Dr. Goodall famously said, “Together we can, together we will, together we must change the world.” In Los Angeles, during Earth Week, students are embodying this ethos and actively working toward a greener, more unified future. In doing so, they’re not just honoring a legacy; they’re building a sustainable world for generations to come.
As the TREEAMS movement grows, it symbolizes a beacon of hope that encourages more youth-led initiatives aimed at combating climate change and restoring the balance of nature. With this innovative approach, the students of Los Angeles are paving the way for a stronger, more resilient community, rooted in the values taught by Dr. Goodall and aimed at protecting our environment for future generations.
The launch of TREEAMS is not just a tribute but also a transformative movement aimed at environmental restoration. During Earth Week, the students established a nursery on the EF Academy campus in collaboration with Saint Mark’s School. The nursery is the first step towards a more extensive goal of planting 5,000 trees in areas like Altadena and Pacific Palisades, which were heavily affected by the fires.
Dr. Goodall, who always championed the power of youth and environmental stewardship, emphasized the significance of such initiatives. “The TREEAMS movement represents the very best of what young people can achieve when they come together with courage and compassion,” she stated prior to her passing. The initiative, now realized by these students, is a testament to her enduring influence and vision for a sustainable future. It involves not only growing trees but fostering a sense of community and resilience, as these students actively engage in restoring their environment amidst the ongoing challenges they face.
The innovative model of TREEAMS enables students to cultivate native trees on school campuses until they are ready for permanent planting in affected areas. This forward-thinking approach allows students to take immediate action rather than waiting for homes to be rebuilt. Margarita Pagliai, co-founder of TREEAMS, emphasized the urgency and significance of the nursery project. “Six months after losing Dr. Goodall, her legacy is carried on through our students,” she shared, highlighting how young people are empowered by this initiative to play a role in their recovery efforts.
As part of the launch, the nursery currently houses 30 native California sycamores and coast live oaks, with students committed to caring for these saplings over the next two years. Plans are already in motion for a second TREEAMS nursery to open in Pacific Palisades in May, alongside expectations for multiple schools to adopt this impactful model within the next 9 to 12 months.
In addition to the nursery, TREEAMS activities extend far beyond, with students engaging in tree planting and ecological restorations across Los Angeles. One of the notable partnerships has been with California State Parks, which aims at revitalizing sections of Will Rogers State Historic Park by removing invasive species and planting native trees, underlining the importance of restoring natural habitats.
Moreover, the TREEAMS curriculum, developed in collaboration with the UCLA School of Education and EcoRise, equips students with valuable knowledge and skills related to reforestation and ecosystem recovery. This practical application of learning enhances their understanding of environmental issues while inspiring activism and stewardship.
Through TREEAMS, students not only participate in planting trees but also cultivate hope and actionable change within their communities. “This gives them a way to take part in rebuilding something real,” remarked Jennifer Tolbert, Head of School at Saint Mark's School, as she reflected on the personal significance of this initiative for many students still grappling with displacement.
This initiative serves as a poignant reminder that during challenging times, hope can blossom through concerted efforts and community spirit, especially when driven by the passion of youth. As Dr. Goodall famously said, “Together we can, together we will, together we must change the world.” In Los Angeles, during Earth Week, students are embodying this ethos and actively working toward a greener, more unified future. In doing so, they’re not just honoring a legacy; they’re building a sustainable world for generations to come.
As the TREEAMS movement grows, it symbolizes a beacon of hope that encourages more youth-led initiatives aimed at combating climate change and restoring the balance of nature. With this innovative approach, the students of Los Angeles are paving the way for a stronger, more resilient community, rooted in the values taught by Dr. Goodall and aimed at protecting our environment for future generations.
Topics Environment）
【About Using Articles】
You can freely use the title and article content by linking to the page where the article is posted.
※ Images cannot be used.
【About Links】
Links are free to use.