Supporting schools expanding nature-based learning, exploration, and environmental education
The Green Schoolyards Action Network is a team of educators, organizations, public agencies, and volunteers working across local public school systems to expand greenspace, environmental education, and farm-to-school opportunities to K-12 students and educators across our region.
The Local School Wellness Policy Tool Kit
The Local School Wellness Policy Tool Kit helps communities create a whole-school district wellness network by engaging residents, partner organizations, and municipalities in the planning and implementation of school wellness policy.
The Local School Wellness Policy Tool Kit is a playbook for communities to help determine what legislation and policies are needed at the local level to elevate climate action, provide solutions to a broken food system, and address the health crisis affecting school children.
Please download, use, and share this powerful resource using our Media Tools.
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In 2024, Our Network Connected
50
schools with outdoor activities
10,989
students with nature-based learning
272
educators with professional development
170
programs to schools via local partners
Our Priorities
Ensure every school has the resources & tools for nature-based learning, exploration, and play
Advocate for environmental education to be integrated into K-12 curricula
Expose students to environmental, nature-based, and agriculture-focused employment opportunities
Engage school neighborhood communities in the design and use of greenspaces
Establish professional development opportunities so educators feel comfortable and confident with outdoor learning
What Is an Outdoor Classroom?
An outdoor classroom is a designated area outside the school building with adequate shade and seating for students and staff to experience an environment-forward curriculum. This includes but is not limited to:
Our Current Projects
Building Green Schoolyards
We are constantly working to improve and design green schoolyards for more Cincinnati Public School campuses. We want all 65 CPS campuses and more throughout our region to have outdoor learning environments.
Creating Green Schoolyard Models
We are developing model green schoolyards at 20 prioritized schools* for the 2024-2025 school year. Model schoolyards are example outdoor learning environments with all green schoolyard components for educators and districts to implement on their local campuses.
Developing Educational Tools & Resources
We are developing environmental and STEAM education curricula for K-5 students to be used by educators and staff across our region.
Connecting Students With Fresh Food
We are cultivating nutritional education opportunities with school gardens to connect students with what they grow to what they consume during school meals.
Resources
Learn more about why green schoolyards matter!
Get in Touch
Educators, administrators, nonprofit partners, students, parents, and community advocates are welcome to join this work. Contact our Green Schoolyards Manager today at cynthia@greenumbrella.org to learn more about joining the network or volunteering with this program.
Become a Green Schoolyards Leader
Thank you for your interest! Our applications to join the Green Schoolyards Action Network Planning Team are currently closed. Please check back or contact cynthia@greenumbrella.org with any questions.