Welcome to Habitat Heroes! We’re building pollinator gardens in 50 K-12 schools!
Details & application form below!
The Habitat Heroes Native Restoration Initiative is bringing pollinator gardens to 50 schools! Each school will take part in a 1,000-plant service project to restore native habitat on public land. Schools receive plants, resources, and training to create thriving pollinator habitats while teaching students about conservation, sustainability and the power of coming together as a community.
The Benefits
Enhanced Curriculum: Integrates hands-on environmental projects into STEM education.
Skill Development: Promotes critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving among students.
Environmental Stewardship: Encourages students to advocate for conservation and sustainability.
Living Laboratory: Pollinator gardens serve as outdoor classrooms for ongoing ecological learning.
Community Engagement: Strengthens ties with local organizations and parents through collaboration.
Beautification: Improves school grounds while contributing to local biodiversity.
Active Participation: Positions schools as vital contributors to addressing declining pollinator populations.
Eligibility
K-12 Schools: Must be a K-12 school located in Long Beach or Los Angeles County.
Public, Private & Title I Schools: Title I schools are encouraged to apply as we are prioritizing 45% of the access for Title one
Willingness to Participate: Schools must be excited and willing to engage in a native habitat service project that promotes natural habitat restoration.
Interest in Native Gardens: Schools should recognize the benefits of having their own native garden on campus.
Partnership Capacity: Schools must have the capacity to partner with The Little Village Gardens from start to finish on the projects.
Maintenance Commitment: Schools should be capable of upkeeping their native garden to ensure its long-term success.
HABITAT HEROES Program Timelines
Application portal opens mid to late February 2025
Notification of eligibility to participate in the program: March 2025 - August 2025
Service projects start: August 2025 and run through July 2026.
Native Gardens: building on school campuses: January 2026 and continue through January 2027.
Spread the Word
Raising awareness about Habitat Heroes is a simple yet powerful way to support the program. Individuals can share information on social media, engage their communities, or encourage schools and local groups to participate. Advocacy and word-of-mouth promotion help inspire more people to take action for the environment.
Organize Fundraising Events
Hosting a fundraiser, such as a charity run, school event, or community drive, can generate funds to support Habitat Heroes projects. These events also provide an opportunity to educate people about conservation and encourage community engagement.
Adopt a Habitat Project
Individuals, schools, or businesses can sponsor a specific habitat restoration project. This could involve maintaining a pollinator garden, supporting a wetland cleanup, or funding a wildlife corridor. Adopting a project creates a lasting, measurable impact on local ecosystems.
Incorporate Sustainable Practices
Participants can support the program’s mission by adopting eco-friendly habits such as reducing plastic use, conserving water, planting native species, and making their homes and schools more wildlife-friendly. Small actions can collectively make a significant difference in environmental conservation.
Get Involved
Apply to Become a Habitat Heroes School
Schools can join the Habitat Heroes program by applying to become a designated Habitat Heroes School. This allows students and teachers to engage in hands-on conservation projects, such as creating wildlife-friendly gardens, restoring local ecosystems, and participating in environmental education. Becoming a Habitat Heroes School fosters a culture of sustainability and empowers students to become stewards of the environment.
Donate
Financial contributions help fund habitat restoration projects, provide educational resources, and support community initiatives that protect wildlife and ecosystems. Donations can be one-time gifts or recurring contributions, and they directly support the program's mission to make a lasting impact on biodiversity and conservation efforts.
Volunteer
We love our Volunteers! Individuals and groups canDonate get involved by participating in habitat restoration events, tree planting, community clean-ups, and educational outreach activities. Volunteering provides hands-on experience in conservation, promotes teamwork, and offers a meaningful way to give back to the environment.
Partner with the Program
Businesses, organizations, and community groups can collaborate with Habitat Heroes through sponsorship, in-kind donations, or joint initiatives. Partnerships help expand the reach of conservation efforts, provide essential resources, and strengthen the impact of environmental projects.
Apply Here
We are currently in the accepting application stage of Habitat Heroes. Please complete the form below and we cannot wait to connect with you!
Sarah Alperin, Founder, President, The Little Village Gardens Non Profit
A Message from the Founder
As a preschool director myself, I know the weight you carry—the endless to-do lists, the pressure to create an enriching environment with limited resources, and the constant feeling that there’s never enough time or support. I see you. I understand the exhaustion. And I want to help.
Through The Little Village Nonprofit, my mission is to take some of that burden off your shoulders by transforming your school’s outdoor space into a beautiful, nature-filled learning environment—without adding more to your plate. I’ve spent years building a play-based, nature-focused preschool and studying how access to nature supports children’s development. Now, I want to bring that same opportunity to your students and staff.
Our Habitat Heroes initiative is restoring over 50,000 acres with native, pollinator-friendly plants—creating not just gardens, but sanctuaries where children can explore, learn, and find peace. These spaces aren’t just for them; they’re for you, your teachers, and your entire school community—a place to breathe, reconnect, and thrive.
Beyond transforming your school’s environment, this initiative provides students with a meaningful service project that fosters community involvement, a sense of purpose, and hands-on learning about sustainability. Imagine your students, teachers, and families coming together to create something lasting—an outdoor space that not only supports pollinators like monarchs and bees but also strengthens bonds and deepens their connection to the world around them.
You don’t have to do this alone. Apply today to become a Habitat Hero School and bring this experience to your campus. If you know another school that could benefit, please help us spread the word. Together, we can lighten the load, strengthen our communities, and create something truly impactful—for your school, your students, and the future of our planet.
Happy Restoring,
