Badhoevedorp schoolchildren plant trees to cool playground and boost biodiversity
Pupils at Rietveldschool in Badhoevedorp have transformed their playground by planting seven new trees, providing shade and supporting local wildlife. This initiative is part of a broader municipal effort to enhance greenery and combat urban heat.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Rietveldschool, Badhoevedorp, Haarlemmermeer municipality, Noord-Holland |
| Number of Trees Planted | 7 (Hornbeams, Horse Chestnuts, Black Poplar) |
| Event | Tree Festival Day, March 11, 2026 |
| Municipal Tree Goal | 100,000 trees under management (achieved this spring) |
| Planting Season | October through March |
| Organizer | Centre for Sustainability Haarlemmermeer |
The municipality of Haarlemmermeer is responsible for urban greening initiatives, including tree planting programs that enhance local biodiversity and improve living conditions. These efforts align with broader sustainability goals to create healthier, more resilient neighborhoods.
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Children green their school playground on Tree Festival Day
The student council of the Rietveldschool in Badhoevedorp celebrated Tree Festival Day on Wednesday, March 11 by planting seven new trees together on the school playground. With shovels and enthusiasm, the children got to work alongside Alderman Marjolein Steffens-van de Water. Tree Festival Day also marks the end of the planting season, which runs from October through March.
Seven new trees have been planted on the grass fields surrounding the school, where children also play and engage in sports. The new planting will not only provide more greenery but also create additional shaded spots on hot days.
Before the shovels hit the ground, the children of the student council discussed among themselves why trees are so important for their living environment. Notably, they demonstrated a strong understanding of the topic. “Trees absorb CO2 and release oxygen,” “They are places for birds to build nests,” they explained. Afterward, they planted the trees together. The rain did not dampen their spirits: “The trees need water right now!”
Increasing biodiversity
Alderman Marjolein Steffens-van de Water was impressed by the students’ engagement. “It’s wonderful to see how enthusiastic the children are about this. Trees are vital for our living environment: they bring more nature to the neighborhood, provide shade on warm days, and simply make the place where you live and go to school greener and more beautiful.”
More than 100,000 trees
The tree planting is part of the municipality’s plan to have 100,000 trees under its management. This spring, that number was already achieved. Around the school, Hornbeams, Horse Chestnuts, and a Black Poplar have been planted. These species complement the existing trees in the area and together create a varied and green landscape throughout the year.
Tree Festival Day also symbolically marks the end of the planting season. From October through March, new trees are planted in the municipality because this is the best time for them to take root.
The Tree Festival Day was coordinated by the Centre for Sustainability Haarlemmermeer.