Yacolt Primary School's campus is getting a fresh new look, thanks to the generosity, talent and hard work of local families who stepped up to support the school.

With budget cuts limiting the efforts of district grounds staff, the Yacolt-Amboy Parent Teacher Organization president noticed that other areas of the landscaping needed attention. She and her husband took action by creating a landscaping plan, connecting with local professionals and working with the district to help bring the vision to life.

This weekend, phase 1 of a three-part landscape revitalization project was completed — entirely through community support.

A heartfelt thank-you goes to Steve, Mandy and Luke Samwell of Samwell Landscaping and Brandon and Charlie Chaney of Arbor Science Tree Care. These local businesses donated their time, labor and equipment to clear overgrown areas, provide structural tree care and prepare the campus for future improvements.

Phase 2 will involve a volunteer cleanup day to weed, trim and spread fresh bark. In the spring, Phase 3 will see the addition of low-maintenance native plants and shrubs to create a welcoming landscape that can be enjoyed for years to come.

Yacolt Primary and Battle Ground Public Schools are incredibly grateful to these volunteers for giving their time and skills to the school. Their generosity is a wonderful reminder of what can happen when a community comes together for its students.