ASLA worked with Senator Martin Heinrich (NM) to reintroduce the Living Schoolyards Act! This legislation would help transform elementary and secondary schools’ outdoor spaces into hands-on environmental learning opportunities for students.
“The Living Schoolyards Act is a multi-purpose policy that improves climate resilience, supports biodiversity, increases educational opportunities, and improves wellness for children as well as for the surrounding community. By creating spaces that inspire and connect children to nature, we can help shape the next generation of environmental leaders to tackle the complex challenges facing our planet. The American Society of Landscape Architects supports the Living Schoolyards Act and urges Congress to pass it,” said Torey Carter-Conneen.
Specifically, this measure would provide planning and installation grants to reshape elementary and secondary schoolyards into resilient outdoor learning environments using nature-based solutions and other natural products.
Landscape architects could help play a critical role in creating these outdoor spaces — from helping to develop the master plans, leading community engagement, assisting with outdoor education lesson plans, and more. The legislation would also create unique opportunities to develop the next generation of outdoor professionals, including landscape architects, environmental scientists, climate specialists, arborists, urban farmers, and more.
Write your legislators today and urge them to support the Living Schoolyards Act.
