While the air is chilly and snow is still on the ground in many communities, now is the time to start thinking about sunnier days and school ground greening projects.
The cornerstone for success in School Ground Greening is quality over quantity. Every school has different needs and capacities to plan and care for a greening project, so we encourage schools to smart small. For example, students can research species native to their geographical area (Question 4.4), get together a working group to plant in the spring (Questions 4.1a and 4.2), then draw up a summer watering and weeding schedule (Question 4.1b). For schools lucky enough to have mature trees on their school grounds, think about how to incorporate these natural sources of beauty and shade into your lesson plans.
The three lists below will help you begin thinking, planning, and dreaming up your garden plans.
Looking for ideas on where to begin?
- Our School Ground Greening 101 video is a great starting point for planning your school’s greening project.
- Make your greening project a community affair by inviting members outside of your immediate school community – from residents’ associations to local environmental groups to contribute their time and expertise. Bonus: you can work together on a summer maintenance schools when school’s out.
- Evergreen Canada has a series of videos about outdoor play and learning, which include tips on implementing, using, and maintaining greening projects at school.
- What to plant? Think local, grow local to cut down on carbon emissions and build biodiversity.
Grants for School Ground Greening (Winter 2017)
- Funding is an important aspect of any School Ground Greening project. Check out this presentation from TD Friends of the Environment Foundation for funding tips.
- Environmental Earth Angels supports Schoolyard Based Programs, including tree planting and pollinator gardens. Apply here (applications are accepted year-round).
- Project Nest Box distributes free bird nest boxes every spring to support students observing and learning about different bird species. Send them a message ASAP to receive your box during March (quantities are limited, so first come first serve).
- Tree Canada funds school ground tree-planting on a year-round basis. Make sure you have the principal and caretaking staff on board before applying!
- Toyota Evergreen Learning Grounds give School Ground Greening Grants to help schools create outdoor classrooms; the next deadline to apply is April 13.
- Check out our Funding Opportunities page regularly for updates.
Certification Tips
- Don’t forget that multiple projects can be claimed throughout the School Ground Greening section – including outdoor planter boxes and on-site greenhouses that are planted with edible and native species.
- Please note that Question 4.4 in the certification application has been revised to encourage a broader view of contributing to sustainable communities, for example by donating produce grown in your school garden to a food justice organization, or simply by sharing your school’s green space with the neighbourhood outside of school hours.
- Find more tips for success in our 2016-17 Certification Guide (page 12).
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