Little Rock, AR - The Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Shade Trees on Playgrounds (STOP) program is now accepting applications from Arkansas schools through September 19, 2025.

Selected schools will receive up to five Arkansas-native shade trees, along with mulch, watering supplies, planting guidelines, and on-site assistance from Department staff. Each planting will take place this fall during a ceremony involving students.

Launched to help reduce childhood exposure to direct sunlight and lower long-term skin cancer risks, the STOP program has provided trees to approximately 185 schools statewide in the last 23 years. Participating teachers also receive curriculum resources highlighting the environmental benefits of trees, how shade reduces skin cancer risk, and how to care for young trees.

“We are proud to partner with the Arkansas Department of Education and school districts throughout the state to administer the Shade Trees on Playgrounds program,” said Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward. “This program is a great demonstration of how trees provide direct health and environmental benefits to individuals and communities while also teaching students about the importance of our state’s forestry industry.”

“The outdoors provide countless learning opportunities beyond just the four walls of a classroom,” Arkansas Department of Education Secretary Jacob Oliva said. “By providing trees, curriculum, and supplies to schools, the Department of Agriculture is nurturing those opportunities while providing sustainable shade that promotes student health. We are so excited for educators to have this opportunity to beautify their schools while expanding learning outside.”

“From the hands-on experience of planting their own tree to engaging classroom lessons, the STOP program provides an excellent opportunity for students to learn about the benefits of shade trees,” said Kristine Kimbro, Urban and Community Forestry Coordinator. “Our hope is that this program will not only benefit students’ health but also foster a lasting appreciation for our natural resources to carry with them as they grow into homeowners and community leaders.”

Native species are selected by Department staff to match the playground’s region and growing conditions. Common species include sycamore, oak, tulip poplar, and black gum trees.

To participate in the STOP program, a school must:

- Have a lack of shade on a school playground or outdoor learning area.
- Participate in a STOP workshop to be held virtually on October 7, 2025.
- Use provided curriculum resource materials to emphasize the importance of trees during the week(s) leading up to the tree-planting event.
- Involve students in tree-related projects that culminate with a school-wide tree-planting ceremony.
- Have a plan for maintaining the trees after planting.

Eligible applicants include any public or private Arkansas school serving grades pre-K through 12, as well as non-traditional educational facilities such as juvenile detention centers, residential childcare institutions, and long-term care facilities.

The application and additional information can be found on the Department’s website here.