Planning, building and making new spaces is super fun and a great way to engage people. After the build is over, then what? Reasons to activate a space:
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keep it looking good
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let folks know it is there
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let folks know WHAT is in the space
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why is the space unique to that property
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use the space to teach a curriculum
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what cool things can folks learn from the space
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how can the space be used
At nature+play designs, we are just as excited to help you learn how to use the outdoor spaces to promote play, learning and well-being, as we are in helping get the features in the ground. Learn about the different ways we can support you and your team.
Curricula
Tie your outdoor features to curricula goals
School gardens
Engaging students, staff and families with hands on gardens
Play & Enjoy
To support physical activities and wellness
Partner programs
Lots of great ideas to share from other agencies
Ecology
Supporting ecosystem functions for healthy earth and wildlife
Resources
Learn about resources to help learn, grow and enjoy the outdoors
ECOLOGY
Environmental improvements - Schools can be great settings to support ecological functions:
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Trees - both native tree groves and individual plantings to diversfty habitat and species; increase tree canopy in urban areas
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Habitat settings - add trees, shrubs and perennials to support habitat for birds, bugs and other local wildlife
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Pollinators - from meadows to flower patches, schools can play a role in supporting host plants for food and life cycle development
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Green stormwater - while meeting local and state regulations, plantings in engineered features not only filter water but add beauty and habitat
Environmental studies - A variety of features and programs to support hands on learning:
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Signage - local birds, butterflies, animal tracks and other signs to interpret and introduce users to that local habitat
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Habitat structures - support workshops to teach bird house, bat house, mason bee house and other wildlife structures
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EcoBlitz species studies - work with iNaturalist and other programs to understand what species are on each site. Track changes, trends and patterns over seasons, years and changes.
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Habitat certification - coordinate certifying campus with several regional/state/national habitat programs
