Schoolyard Habitat Frequently Asked Questions
Certify Now!Where are Schoolyard Habitats projects located?
The number of certified Schoolyard Habitats sites grow each day. There are certified schoolyard in every state in the nation and two territories. Certified habitats are also international in Thailand, Italy, United Kingdom and others.
How much land do you need to begin a Schoolyard Habitats project?
There is no minimum amount of land needed for these projects. Many schools complete successful projects with no land at all--by building planter boxes and adding feeders, bird baths, etc. onto an unused section of their asphalt playground, ripping up this asphalt and planting in the ground, or by converting their roof into a school garden. Others use their limited amount of green space--i.e. a small courtyard--to its fullest potential. Smaller projects may focus on attracting and supporting local insects, butterflies, and birds, while schools with more land do everything from restoring native prairie, to planning and creating a schoolyard wetland.
Is there any difference in certifying a school or other site?
Backyards, schools, community and businesses sites each certify the same way. The difference between the sites is size and intent for teaching that a schoolyard or community location may have.
What age groups are involved with Schoolyard Habitats projects?
All ages are involved. From children in day care centers and preschools, to thousands of students in grades K-12, to parents, university students, teachers, administrators, community members, and volunteers, Schoolyard Habitats projects truly do reach all ages.
Why should I apply for certification as an official Schoolyard Habitats site?
Schools and organizations benefit from certifying their habitat projects in many ways. Each time a school gets certified, NWF sends out a press release to the school's local papers; this publicity helps schools gain additional community support and aids in future fundraising efforts for the schoolyard project. Once certified, schools are also able to order an attractive sign, which they can post to announce and describe their efforts.
In addition, certified schools gain lifetime access to the wildlife online newsletter, and benefit from belonging to this dynamic network of other educators and schools involved in habitat restoration and hands-on outdoor instruction. Teachers provide concrete ideas and support to each other blogs, and certified schools gain special access to NWF news and resources.
Most people find that applying for certification is a helpful, tangible goal along the road of habitat restoration. Receiving Schoolyard Habitats certification from NWF is a huge accomplishment and reason for a school-wide celebration; certification represents official acknowledgment for a school's hard work and achievement thus far, and provides a new boost of energy for the work that lies ahead. Certification is not an ending, but represents an early milestone along the way.
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