Los Angeles Unified School District Receives 2014 Arbor Day Award

Nebraska City, Neb. (April 16, 2014) – The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) is the recipient of a 2014 Arbor Day Award in honor of its outstanding contribution to tree planting, conservation and stewardship, the Arbor Day Foundation announced today.

LAUSD is one of 13 individuals, organizations and companies being recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation during the annual Arbor Day Awards. This year's ceremony will be held at Lied Lodge & Conference Center, located at Arbor Day Farm in Nebraska City, Nebraska, on Saturday, April 26.

The Los Angeles Unified School District will receive the Rachel Carson Award.

LAUSD is taking a national leadership role in making meaningful connections with nature part of the daily lives of the children it serves. Its Early Education Center Nature Explore Classrooms are designed to enable the District's youngest learners to acquire a deep, hands-on understanding of the natural world. LAUSD has made an initial commitment to develop 11 Early Education Center Nature Explore Classrooms. The outdoor classroom experience has proven to be transformative -- children are calmer and more focused on learning, have fewer injuries and improved problem-solving skills.

Since 1972, the Arbor Day Foundation has recognized the inspiring and life-changing work of leading environmental stewards and tree planters through the annual Arbor Day Awards.

Award winners from previous years include the late Nobel Peace Prize winner Wangari Maathai, Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley, the United States Forest Service, Enterprise Rent-A-Car and Mary Kay, Inc.

About the Arbor Day Foundation: The Arbor Day Foundation is a million member nonprofit conservation and education organization with the mission to inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. More information is available at arborday.org.

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