The School Grounds Greening project was inspired by Richard Louv’s groundbreaking book Last Child in the Woods, which demonstrates that children need nature as much as nature needs children.

The School Grounds Greening project aims to enrich our children’s educational experiences and learning environment by creating opportunities to play, learn and socialize in outdoor settings. In the process, it brings ecological and aesthetic benefits to the entire school community. The project also connects Pittsburgh to a growing international movement that aims to give students more contact with nature and the outdoors.

The benefits of greener school grounds are multifaceted and have been documented in recent studies:

Student benefits
• Encourages physical exercise
• Improves concentration and spurs creativity
• Stimulates positive social interactions

Financial benefits
• 10 – 20 percent energy savings
• Reduction in maintenance costs
• Increases surrounding property values

Environmental benefits
• Adds habitat for birds, butterflies and other creatures
• Improves air quality
• Slows stormwater to reduce sewer overloads

Community benefits
• Increased school involvement for parents
• Stronger sense of community
• Creates a greener, healthier local environment

To read more, click on this link: Green School Ground Research

National/International School Grounds Greening Efforts

San Francisco Green Schoolyard Alliance
http://sfgreenschools.org

Boston Schoolyard Initiative
http://www.schoolyards.org

DC Schoolyard Greening
http://www.dcschoolyardgreening.org

Evergreen (Canada)
http://www.evergreen.ca

For more information, call 412-586-2416 or email
SchoolGreening@paconserve.org.