Trainings Offered to Help Engage Students in Outdoor Learning

Special Funding Available for Projects

photo collage of coneflower and people
Photo: USFWS

Sacramento, CA – The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is teaming up with partners and hosting two Schoolyard Habitat trainings this summer for teachers and community members interested or in the process of creating an outdoor classroom at their school. Attendees will be eligible to apply for project funding and both trainings are interactive, hands-on and cross-curricular. Additionally, teachers receive curriculum guides and can opt to get Continuing Education Units for both classes.

Project Learning Tree (PLT) Schoolyard Habitat Training
This 1-day workshop on June 30, 2015 begins at 9 a.m. at Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge and then heads to Alice Birney Schoolyard Habitat, ending at 3 p.m. It focuses on activities from the Project Learning Tree curriculum guide that can be done in a schoolyard habitat. This training is recommended for schools that already have a project in the ground, as well as schools in the planning stages. Participants that attend will be eligible to apply for PLT's Greenworks and Greenschools grants. Download flier.

The 6th Annual RESTORE Institute
Held at Soil Born Farms in Rancho Cordova on July 20-24, 2015, this is a 5-day training for any teachers and community members interested in creating a schoolyard habitat project. It is designed for schools getting started in the planning process, but is relevant during any stage of the project. Throughout the week we hear from local naturalists and follow the steps of the Schoolyard Habitat Project Guide with accompanying activities from the Earth Partnerships for Schools curriculum. Schools are encouraged to send a team to the training to build support and camaraderie around their project. Participants that go through this training are eligible to apply for project funding through the Service's Schoolyard Habitat Program. Download flier

For more information visit www.fws.gov/sacramento or call Karleen Vollherbst at (916) 478-9247.