History

In 2011, Chief Joseph Elementary School partnered with Depave on a small project along the northwest side of the school courtyard. They removed 1250 sf of asphalt and planted a garden, which is devoted to native plants that were food and medicinal staples to Chief Joseph’s Nez Perce Tribe.  (Visit Depave's site to learn more.)

In 2021, CJES again partnered with Depave to remove 800 more sf of asphalt for the planting of 4 shade trees...an Oregon  white oak, a ginko and 2 Chinese pistaches...provided and serviced by the City of Portland's Bureau of Environmental Services. Development of the 4 tree wells is still in progress, but so far the "heritage" oak area has been enhanced with benches and plantings, and a similar treatment to the other tree wells is being planned for '23/'24.  Read more about this project here.

The kids asked and they received! In Spring 2023, the otherwise underused NE corner of the school yard was brought to life with the installation of a 20' diameter permanent wood/metal gaga ball pit thanks to school and community funds and donations.