Student survey shows interest in trees, waste and transportation; committee weighs student engagement and tree-planting

Committee members reviewed results from a student ambassador–led survey of Redwood High School students and discussed how to translate student priorities into committee action.

The student ambassador reported that 139 people clicked the survey link and 85 submissions were received; the presenter cautioned the sample was not statistically representative but offered directional themes. “We had 139 people click the survey link and 85 submissions that are included here in the agenda,” the presenter said, adding the response represented slightly less than 5% of the school’s estimated 1,785 students.

Survey responses tied for top interest in two areas: planting and protecting nature/trees (examples included street-tree planting and fire-resistant native species) and household waste/recycling/compost actions; transportation (including active transportation) was the third-most popular topic. Students indicated a strong preference for hands-on volunteer opportunities such as planting events and outreach through social media. Committee members suggested expanding distribution by going door to door to classrooms and engaging the student-body president to help reach a target of ~200 responses.

Committee members discussed next steps: keep the survey open through January, perform a midpoint review in January and use the student-ambassador findings to shape volunteer events, tree-planting and targeted outreach. Several members suggested subcommittees — for student engagement, tree planting, and multifamily EV chargers — to allow the committee to tackle multiple priorities.

The committee also discussed linking outreach to town resources such as the revised street-tree list and opportunities to partner with community groups for volunteer events. Staff agreed to summarize priority options and return with a proposed process and a December vote on committee priorities.