Government of New Brunswick

School ground greening

School ground greening

Indoor school activities are fantastic, but we can’t forget about the outdoor classroom: your school ground. Just outside the classroom window lie oodles of learning and greening opportunities. With a bit of creativity and teamwork you can brighten-up your schoolyard, help the environment and learn new skills!

Chickadee (behind hedges)

Consider conducting a school ground check. Take a moment to scan the grounds. What do you see? Spot the challenge, identify the solution and take action. Perhaps the solution is building on the great features that already exist at your school. The opportunities are endless.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

Action   Reaction
Hold a school ground clean-up day.
   - Provides safer, cleaner
- Promotes school pride
Increase green space by adding grass, flowers and shrubs.   - Gives greener space for all to enjoy
- Creates a habitat for birds and insects
- Provides hands-on learning opportunities
Make flower boxes.
   - Fosters school beautification
- Builds skills
Construct bird houses.
   - Welcomes birds
- Encourages species and habitat recognition
Plant a garden.
   - Provides exercise
- Teaches plant life and nutrition basics
Develop signage to enforce no idling of vehicles
   - Assists in reducing air polution
- Creates a healthier environment
Have a yard sale
   - Promotes reuse of items
- Serves to fund additional school greening initiatives
Hold a swap day at school to trade items (e.g., sports equipment) and swap greening ideas.
   - Encourages reuse of items and sharing of ideas within the school community
Compost.
   - Reduces waste
- Reuses nutritious left-overs
Add benches.
   - Provides a place to learn and share time with friends
Review lawn maintenance and watering practices.
   - Develops best practices for lawn care
Plant a living fence - a tree line.
   - Acts as a barrier between the school and the nature's elements (may cut energy use)
- Provides shaded area

Helpful Tips:

  • Work with teachers and maintenance staff to set goals and bring ideas into action.
  • Form a school ground greening club. Hold club meetings to come up with green ideas.
  • Request support from local garden centres and relevant government agencies.
  • Take steps to connect your greening project(s) to classroom learning.
  • Assign tasks amongst your peers. Track and report your progress.
  • Put safety first! Always use proper safety equipment when carrying-out a greening project.
  • Make sure your project lives-on by creating a maintenance schedule.
  • Share successes and lessons learned along the way with other schools, friends and relatives.
  • Have fun, and be proud of your efforts, knowing that you've given back to nature!

The school ground is your outdoor classroom for learning. It's all waiting just outside!

Take Action! Start simple, work safely, and make your commitment strong.