Green Team

Discover Ainsworth’s Green Team!

The Green Team is the heart of Ainsworth’s Earth Defenders! Representing families, staff, and our wider community, we work together to bring environmental education to life and to inspire students to make sustainable choices—both at school and at home. Our mission is simple: help every child become a steward of the planet.

Leadership & Vision

In 2024, Rebecca Long (Hazel’s mom) stepped into the role of Green Team president. She completed the Eco-School Network training in October 2024. This training will empower her to continue the legacy of environmental stewardship established by previous Ainsworth parents and staff.

Current Initiatives

  • Earth Defenders in the Cafeteria: Every day at lunch, students practice composting by separating food waste from trash. With support from nutrition services, custodial staff, and school administration, our cafeteria has become a training ground for lifelong sustainability habits.
  • Community Care Days: Ainsworth families and volunteers come together to clean up and care for the school’s outdoor spaces. Volunteers rake, trim, weed, remove debris, and help keep our grounds welcoming, safe, and ready for students.
  • Leaf Blower Club: Volunteers help keep Ainsworth’s walkways and grounds safe and clean by blowing fallen leaves into designated areas for City of Portland collection or future disposal during our spring cleanup.

Milestones 2019-2026

Over the past six years, the Ainsworth Green Team has made significant strides in promoting sustainability and environmental awareness throughout our school community. Here are some of our key accomplishments:

  • Leadership Development: Parent leaders completed Eco-School Network training to strengthen sustainability practices at Ainsworth.
  • Learning & Sharing: Team members visited other PPS schools to exchange ideas and bring best practices back to Ainsworth.
  • Advocacy: The Green Team helped pass the PPS Climate Crisis Response Policy—one of the nation’s most ambitious school environmental policies.
  • PTA Recognition: Officially established as a PTA committee, ensuring ongoing support and visibility for environmental efforts.
  • Cafeteria Composting: Launched and sustained a successful food-waste diversion program.
  • Community Care Days: Ainsworth families and volunteers come together to clean up and care for the school’s outdoor spaces. Volunteers rake, trim, weed, remove debris, and help keep our grounds welcoming, safe, and ready for students.
  • Outdoor Learning During the Pandemic: Provided outdoor classroom resources so students could continue safe, nature-based learning.
  • Sensory Garden Expansion: Expanded Ainsworth’s courtyard garden with new planters and connections to classroom learning. The completed garden encourages hands-on exploration, sparks curiosity, and supports student well-being by engaging all five senses.

Get Involved!

Show your child that you care about nature—join us this year!

  • Leaf Blower Club (Sept-Dec): Help keep Ainsworth’s walkways and grounds safe and clean this fall! One volunteer is requested each weekend through Ainsworth’s tentative leaf-collection date of December 4. The sign-up sheet includes available weekends, a map showing the designated leaf areas, and contact information for project coordinator Stephanie Corneil. View the map and sign up to help.
  • Community Care Days (August): Join Ainsworth families and volunteers as we work together to care for our school grounds and outdoor spaces. Volunteers of all experience levels are welcome. Dates and details will be posted on our Events page as each event approaches.
  • Earth Day Care Day (April): Stay tuned for volunteer opportunities as we prepare for a school-wide care day.
  • Carpool Initiative (All year): In collaboration with the Oregon Department of Transportation, Ainsworth uses SchoolPool to help families connect and coordinate carpools. Learn more about carpooling at Ainsworth.

For more information or to get involved, please Rebecca Long at rebeccahucklong@gmail.com.

“We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our grandchildren.” – Native American proverb