District awarded Kansas Forestry Service grant to plant about 46 trees at Oak Lawn Elementary

Operations staff told the board on Aug. 4 that Oak Lawn Elementary received a Kansas Forestry Service grant to plant approximately 46 trees to expand neighborhood canopy in an underserved area.

Burke Jones said the award would cover the purchase and planting of the trees at an estimated cost of $31,298.59; the district would pay upfront and seek reimbursement from the Kansas Forestry Service. The planting plan shared in the meeting packet shows trees around the playground and parking area.

Jones said the district will maintain the trees and will use green watering bags and a district-mounted water tank to support establishment. The chosen species are described as Kansas-hardy; some plantings will include 2-inch caliper trees, maples in 8-to-10-foot clumps, and 8-to-9-foot junipers. The contractor identified was Bryant Landscape, selected as a certified horticulturist to perform planting.

Board members asked about watering and caliper size; Jones said the forestry service and the contractor recommended water bags and that the stock will not be “super tiny.” Jones added the agreement had been reviewed by district counsel and modified as necessary.

Ending: The reimbursable Kansas Forestry Service grant will fund tree purchases and planting at Oak Lawn Elementary; the district will pay upfront and maintain the plantings with contractor support and water-bag irrigation.