Schoolyard Habitats

A Schoolyard Habitat is an improvement to school grounds or nearby lands that makes them more hospitable for native fish and wildlife while providing an accessible place outdoors for children to learn about and connect with nature on a daily basis. The Service has funding to foster the development of these projects and can also provide technical assistance, project guidance, and resources for teachers.

For more information about getting started and Schoolyard Habitats in Alaska: Download our Alaska Schoolyard Habitats factsheet Important questions to consider before creating a schoolyard habitat Schoolyard habitats project guide (national) Schoolyard habitat features and amenities Attend a course on Schoolyard Habitats September 10-14, 2012 in Denali National Park References To discuss potential projects in your area of the state open our “Contact Us” menu to the left and contact Neil Stichert (Juneau), Cheryl Anderson (Kenai), Mitch Osborne (Fairbanks) or Jeff Heys (Anchorage). For general inquiries, contact J David Wigglesworth, Acting Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program Coordinator: (907) 271-3764 or david_wigglesworth@fws.gov Trees on land just beyond the boundary of Government Hill Elementary in Anchorage. Photo Credit: K. Mueller/USFWS 1st graders planting a raspberry bush. Photo Credit: K. Mueller/USFWS On the other side, students help create a schoolyard habitat with native trees and shrubs to attract migratory birds on to school grounds. Photo Credit: K. Mueller/USFWS Check out additional resources for kids, teachers, families, and youth group leaders on the Service's new "Let's Go Outside" webpage

Last updated: May 21, 2012