Design Catalog 05 of 06
School campuses, university grounds, and institutional properties where forests serve as living classrooms and ecological demonstration sites.
Site Type
School campuses, university grounds, and institutional properties where forests serve as living classrooms and ecological demonstration sites.
This catalog is designed using the Houston Miyawaki Forest Planning Guide v0.8 species selection criteria — all species validated for Houston's USDA zones 8a–8b and the specific site conditions of this catalog type.
Site Specifications
Species Composition
All species are native to the Houston region and validated for this site type. Percentages represent target proportions of total planting count.
| Common Name | Scientific Name | Layer | % Mix | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mexican Buckeye | Ungnadia speciosa | Emergent |
12%
|
Spring blooms ideal for student observation; compact size. ⚠ Reaches eastern range limit near Houston; requires well-drained soils |
| Eastern Red Cedar | Juniperus virginiana | Emergent |
8%
|
Evergreen structure; year-round observation value |
| Eastern Redbud | Cercis canadensis var. texensis | Sub-Canopy |
12%
|
Student-safe; early spring bloom; easy to identify |
| Flameleaf Sumac | Rhus lanceolata | Sub-Canopy |
10%
|
Dramatic fall color; excellent phenology lesson |
| Texas Persimmon | Diospyros texana | Sub-Canopy |
8%
|
Native fruit; engaging for student observation |
| Roughleaf Dogwood | Cornus drummondii | Sub-Canopy |
5%
|
White berries; bird magnet; attracts visible wildlife |
| Yaupon Holly | Ilex vomitoria | Shrub |
10%
|
Safe; easy ID; year-round bird food and observation |
| Agarito | Mahonia trifoliolata | Shrub |
10%
|
3–6 ft; reaches eastern range limit near Houston — source from regional nurseries; thorny — use where perimeter security is desired |
| Esperanza | Tecoma stans | Shrub |
10%
|
Native to South TX; ornamental in Houston. Showy yellow blooms; hummingbird magnet; exciting for students |
| Autumn Sage | Salvia greggii | Ground Cover |
6%
|
West TX Chihuahuan Desert native; widely adapted ornamental in Houston. Easy to grow; hummingbird attractant; long bloom season |
| Gregg's Mistflower | Conoclinium greggii | Ground Cover |
4%
|
Monarch butterfly magnet — creates teachable moments |
| Wood Aster | Symphyotrichum drummondii | Ground Cover |
3%
|
Low-growing; shade tolerant; fall blooms |
Site-Specific Guidance
Design the forest with labeled stations for each of the four layers. Partner with science teachers to build plant phenology journals, bird count programs, and seasonal observation projects into curriculum.
Agarito (thorny shrub) should be placed away from primary play areas and student pathways. Mexican Buckeye seeds are mildly toxic — position away from areas where young students gather.
Schools see strongest community buy-in when students participate in planting day. Design the planting for 40–60 student volunteers with teacher team leaders. Planting day becomes a memorable annual tradition.
School forests are ideal for multi-year student research. Establish permanent monitoring plots at planting — height measurements, species counts, and bird observations provide authentic scientific data across grade levels.
Ready to plant a schools & institutional grounds forest?
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