Chicago School Using Trees to Protect Students from Air Pollution

Jensen Elementary is trying an innovative approach to improving kid’s health: using dense tree plantings to block air pollution from highways

By Kendall McMullen, ELPC Intern 2024

Illinois State Senator Collins and Representative Morris staff joined ELPC and partners at Jensen elementary to discuss vegetative buffer Late last year, I had the opportunity to visit Jensen Elementary, also known as Jensen Miller Scholastic Academy, the site of an upcoming vegetative buffer pilot project. This initiative is the result of a collaboration between ELPC, the Morton Arboretum, the US EPA, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, the Chicago and Illinois Departments of Transportation, local educational authorities, and other partners. Our visit marked a significant step forward in advancing this project, which aims to shield the school from the harmful effects of air pollution emanating from the adjacent highway.

Earlier last year, the US EPA installed air monitors at Jensen Elementary to gauge air pollution levels, but there have been a number of developments since then. During our latest site visit, we were accompanied by State Senator Lakesia Collins and staffers for State Representative Yolanda Morris. The visit provided an opportunity to update them on the project’s developments and discuss the critical role of state-level support.

What are vegetative buffers?

Morton Arboretum image: Vegetation barriers should be placed between the source of ground-level air pollution, such as a road, and the area you want to protect, such as a playground

Image credit: Morton Arboretum Toolkit

Vegetative buffers consist of densely planted trees and shrubs that serve multiple functions: they block, disperse, filter, and absorb air pollutants from nearby traffic emissions. Strategically placed between major roadways and school grounds, these green barriers are effective in reducing the exposure of students to a range of harmful pollutants, including particulate matter and nitrogen oxides. By doing so, vegetative buffers substantially decrease the risk of acute and chronic health issues among schoolchildren.

How does air pollution affect our health?

Air pollution is a known risk factor for various adverse health outcomes, particularly affecting children who are more susceptible to severe respiratory and developmental impacts. They breathe in more air per pound of body weight than adults, meaning they absorb a higher concentration of air pollutants. This can lead to exacerbated or emergent asthma, respiratory diseases, disrupted lung development, and impaired cognitive function. Fine particulate matter, which can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, is particularly dangerous and has been linked to long-term issues like cancer.

Why Jensen Elementary?

Jensen is on the bottom right, next to the Eisenhower highway, I-290

In the early stages of ELPC’s vegetative buffer project, we identified Jensen Elementary as one of our top priorities. Located in East Garfield Park, the school is adjacent to eight lanes of traffic on the Eisenhower Expressway (I-290) and a three-lane exit ramp. The school, which caters to students from kindergarten through 8th grade, features playgrounds that overlook these highways, placing its students—97% of whom are Black and 86% of whom receive free or reduced-price lunch—at heightened risk. The social and environmental injustices faced by these students make the need for protective measures like vegetative buffers even more critical.

Project Goals and Benefits

The proposed vegetative buffer at Jensen aims to transform the school grounds by introducing substantial greenery to areas most affected by traffic noise and pollution. Before my visit, I had seen photos indicating a lack of green spaces around the school, but I wasn’t prepared for the overwhelming noise from the adjacent highway. At times, it was nearly impossible to hear any person talking if you weren’t standing right next to them. In addition to planting trees along the length of the campus, the plan includes planting trees and shrubs around the corner of the school grounds and along the larger children’s playground. This will significantly reduce traffic noise. Several studies have shown that spending time in green spaces can help children feel more relaxed and less distracted when they return to their classrooms.

Seeking state-level support to move forward

Illinois State Senator Collins and Representative Morris staff discuss air pollution and vegetative buffers with ELPC and partners at Jensen elementary Our site visit took place mere days after the general election on November 5^th, and our conversation revealed an undertone of uncertainty regarding federal support during a second Trump Administration. Given this backdrop, we emphasized the importance of state-level support during our discussions with Senator Lakesia Collins and staffers for Representative Yolonda Morris, who represent Jensen Elementary. We were very excited to have Senator Collins (D, 5^th District) and staffers for Representative Morris (D, 9^th District) and walk them through the project site. Given their backgrounds as Certified Nurse Assistants, both legislators are deeply committed to health and education. Senator Collins spoke of her dedication to constituent engagement and urged us to pursue partnerships with community-based organizations in and around Jensen’s boundaries. While Representative Morris was unable to attend the visit, her staffers expressed interest in setting up another meeting to learn more about the project.

Following our productive discussions, a University of Illinois Landscape Architecture professor completed a detailed planting plan, which has since been submitted to the Chicago and Illinois Departments of Transportation for review. We are actively continuing our outreach to local officials, community members, and neighboring organizations to secure the necessary support and resources to implement this vital project.