Schoolyard Habitats
The Partnership for the Delaware Estuary’s Schoolyard Habitats program helps schools transform their properties into outdoor classrooms. This way, children can learn about native-plant landscapes and keeping water clean. Let us tailor this program to your site and curriculum goals by including elements such as a:
- rain garden
- stream-side buffer
- pollinator or bird garden
- bog
- meadow
- grove of trees
Please contact PDE for more information. In the meantime, you may also benefit from our informative Guide to Stormwater Management on School Campuses (PDF file) and its supplementary instructions (Word file) on how to perform a infiltration test.
This program is an excellent endeavor by itself or at your school if it’s participating in other sustainability initiatives. Examples might include:
- the Eco-Schools USA program offered by the National Wildlife Federation
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Schoolyard Habitat Project Guide (PDF file)
- Sustainable Jersey for Schools
- Philadelphia Water’s Green Schools initiative and their new Transforming Philadelphia’s Schoolyards guide
Each is a great way to kick start an initiative at your school, especially when paired with our Schoolyard Habitats program.