Eco-Schools Framework and
UN SDG Alignment

Seeds of Stewardship National Wildlife Federation Eco-Schools USA Framework Alignment

Seeds of Stewardship at Carver Elementary is fully aligned with the National Wildlife Federation Eco-Schools USA Framework by embedding sustainability into student leadership, curriculum-connected action, and long-term stewardship of our schoolyard. Through the Eco-Action Team, students lead investigations, plan and implement action projects, collect and share real environmental data, and reflect on their impact, meeting all core elements of the Eco-Schools process. Our work directly supports multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals, including Life on Land, Climate Action, Clean Water, and Sustainable Communities, by restoring native habitats, managing invasive species, conserving endangered plants, and improving green infrastructure on campus. Seeds of Stewardship reflects Eco-Schools’ emphasis on student voice, systems thinking, and measurable action, demonstrating how everyday learning can lead to meaningful environmental change at the local level.

Seeds of Stewardship United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Alignment

Eco-Schools provides a powerful framework that helps schools connect local action to global impact through the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). At Carver Elementary, Eco-Schools supports student-led, place-based learning that empowers children to see how their everyday actions contribute to a healthier, more just, and more sustainable world. Through our Seeds of Stewardship program and schoolwide Eco-Actions, Carver students actively support SDGs 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17. Students address food security and wellness through gardening and indoor growing, strengthen quality education through hands-on field science, promote equity and inclusion through community partnerships and service, and care for land and water through habitat restoration, invasive species removal, citizen science, and endangered species awareness. By working within the Eco-Schools framework, Carver students learn that meaningful local stewardship, collaboration, and innovation can advance global goals and create lasting impact both in their own community and beyond.

At Carver, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals are not explicitly taught as a separate curriculum or set of lessons. Instead, our student-led actions and projects naturally align with the SDGs through authentic work in stewardship, conservation, service, and community engagement. By focusing on meaningful, place-based learning and real-world problem solving, students contribute to many of the goals through what they do, even if they are not explicitly learning the SDGs.

Seeds of Stewardship actively supports SDGs 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17

Tell Your Eco-Schools U.S. Story

We share the story of our work so others can learn from us and join in. Telling our story helps spread ideas that make schools and communities better places to live.
SDGs: 4, 17

Create an Eco-Code

Our EcoCode shows what we believe and how we care for people and the planet. It helps us make fair, thoughtful choices and work together as a community.
SDGs: 4, 16, 17

About Our Eco-Schools Program

EcoSchools helps us turn our ideas into action. We learn how teamwork, leadership, and partnerships help solve real-world problems.
SDGs: 4, 16, 17

Build a Pollinator Garden

We plant native flowers to help bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Healthy pollinators help plants grow, support wildlife, and strengthen our ecosystem.
SDGs: 11, 13, 15

Become a Citizen Scientist

We collect real data and share it with scientists. Our observations help protect nature and show that kids can contribute to important research.
SDGs: 4, 11, 17

Restoring Biodiversity Balance in the Schoolyard

We remove invasive plants and restore native habitats. This helps wildlife, protects local ecosystems, and keeps nature in balance.
SDGs: 11, 13, 14, 15

Schoolyard Habitats®: Design the Habitat

We design habitats that support plants, animals, and people. Our designs help our schoolyard stay healthy, safe, and welcoming.
SDGs: 3, 4, 10

Schoolyard Habitats®: Assess Your Site

We study our campus to see what plants and animals need. Understanding our land helps us make better choices for nature.
SDGs: 3, 4, 11, 15

Schoolyard Habitats®: Engage the Community

We invite families, neighbors, and partners to help care for our habitats. Working together makes our impact stronger.
SDGs: 3, 10, 11

Schoolyard Habitats®: Maintain the Habitat

We care for our habitats over time by watering, weeding, and observing changes. Stewardship means protecting what we create.
SDGs: 4, 11, 15, 17

Exploring Green Careers

We learn how scientists, engineers, designers, and leaders help the environment. Green careers show us ways to protect the planet in the future.
SDGs: 7, 9, 11

Days of Service

We serve our school and community by helping people and nature. Service builds kindness, responsibility, and connection.
SDGs: 11, 16, 17

LEAF: Learning About Ecosystems and Forests

We study forests and ecosystems to understand how living things depend on one another. Healthy ecosystems help the whole planet.
SDGs: 11, 13, 15

Indoor Gardening and Greenhouses

We grow plants indoors to learn about food, energy, and sustainability. Growing plants teaches us how to care for living things year-round.
SDGs: 2, 9, 12, 13

Endangered Species Awareness Community Event

We teach others about endangered species and why they need protection. Sharing knowledge helps save plants and animals at risk.
SDGs: 4, 11, 14, 15, 17

Create an Endangered Species Coloring Book

We use art to teach others about endangered species. Creative learning helps people care about protecting wildlife.
SDGs: 4, 11, 15