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  • What We Do
    • Our Work
    • Our Mission
    • Our Region
    • Our Impact
  • Our Team
  • Our Programs
  • Events
  • Resources
    • Member Directory
    • Green Jobs Board
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    • Reports and Analysis
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Green Schoolyards Action Network Logo
GSY Bond Hill Planting

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.

GSY Bond Hill Planting

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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Local School Wellness Policy Tool Kit (in English)
Local School Wellness Policy Tool Kit (in Spanish)
Media Tools to help share with your network!
  • Group 4679

    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?

GSY Group

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:

SCHOOL GARDENS

NATURESCAPES

TREE CANOPY

GSY Group

Our Current Projects

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Advancing Green Cincinnati Plan Goals

Our team is contributing to the Green Cincinnati Plan’s educational objectives that 100% of all Cincinnati public schools have a safe and accessible outdoor learning space and 4,000 individuals are trained for green economy jobs by 2028.

Resources

Learn more about why green schoolyards matter!

Improving Academic Outcomes with Outdoor Experiences
Outdoor Impact on Health & Well-Being
Encouraging Caring for Nature
Children & Nature Network Resource Hub

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.

CONTACT

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.

STAY TUNED

This program is generously supported by the Sutphin Family Foundation.

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