School Ground Habitats
Special Announcement
Schoolground Habitat Enhancement and Restoration Project Symposium
May 22, 2008
For educators and interested individuals. Download the Registration Form here.
Creating school ground natural areas, specifically forest,
wetlands, and meadows, can restore local species diversity and
connect the school, its students and the community in positive
ways. It offers learners an opportunity to make a difference in
their immediate natural environment through an holistic approach
to enhancing or restoring school grounds to natural areas, rich
in species diversity and accompanying habitat components: food,
shelter/cover and water. The final outcome can be a school ground
which provides curriculum and outdoor teaching connections,
benefits wildlife and watersheds, and requires less
maintenance.
Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania is committed to supporting school ground habitat enhancement and restoration projects through teacher workshops and providing resources. We can help you:
- Get information about resources that can help with projects
- Find people with expertise all areas of design and construction
- Determine which native plants are best for your site, though our own Audubon Center for Native Plants as well as other area retailers.
- Loan books and other resources through our Teacher Resource Center
- Make contact with other school ground sites in western Pennsylvania.
- Find funding, including grants offered though ASWP. Applications are available now for the School Ground Habitat Merit Awards. See the announcement here. Applications close May 2, 2008.
- Learn more about school ground habitats through ongoing teacher workshops and our biannual School Ground Habitat seminar. The next seminar is scheduled for May 22, 2008. Download the registration form here.
We also offer the School Ground Habitat Enhancement and Restoration Project, a program for select schools to join in an ASWP-led two-year series to design and implement their school ground habitat from the ground up, which may even include funding. Watch this page and our other publications for announcements regarding the next application phase.
If you are developing or have developed a school ground site, or have questions about any aspect of school ground habitats, please contact the School Ground Habitat Coordinator by email or at 412-963-6100.