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School grounds contribute materially to more sustainable communities. The health and location of well-watered trees and gardens, the existence of wildlife habitats and food gardens, the practice of water conservation, and limiting the fossil-fuelled machinery needed to tend the grounds through turning some land into Nature Study Areas taken together constitute a model of wise use.
Vibrant school grounds can also be measured by how much they contribute to human well-being. Planting trees and working on other greening projects have many positive effects on students' health and behaviour. Playing or simply gathering outdoors in the changing landscape of school grounds that feature biodiversity offers stimulation and variety that the turf and bare asphalt of a traditional school ground simply cannot. Also, increasing shade for shelter from the sun’s strong rays make the school’s grounds a more enjoyable place for students to be.
Log Benches
Log Benches
The TDSB Sawmill repurposes trees that have to be cut down into lumber, and benches!
These are provided free to schools: find out how to get yours
Picnic Tables
Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are a great way to add permanent outdoor seating to your school site. Picnic tables must be acquired through Purchasing from approved Board vendors. No design consultation or Board installation is required.
School gardens are a great way to support hands-on learning, environmental inquiry and connection to the natural world. Designing, planting and maintaining a school garden can provide rich learning opportunities across many curriculum areas.
For guidance starting and maintaining a school garden visit:
According to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity, invasive species pose the second most dangerous threat to biodiversity, trailing only habitat destruction in a list that includes pollution, overconsumption, climate change, and human population increase.
Planting trees to shade students and conserve energy has been at the heart of the TDSB's school ground greening efforts. Planting trees and working on other greening projects have many positive effects on students' health and behaviour.
EcoSchools Canada Related Action Cards
EcoSchools Canada Related Action Cards
Connect with Nearby Nature - Grow deeper connections to nearby-nature and share your learning by developing place-based field guides, maps, or signage!
EcoCode - is your school’s environmental policy or mission statement that demonstrates your commitment to climate action.
Environmental Literacy - providing opportunities for all students at your school to learn IN, ABOUT, and FOR the environment.
Pollinator Garden - Plant one at your school and create a space that is not only beneficial to pollinators like bees and butterflies, but is also fertile grounds for learning.
Sit Spot - Cultivate awareness and well-being by regularly visiting one specific spot where you can sit, slow down, awaken your senses, and learn more about yourself and the local environment.
Tree Care and Stewardship - Care for trees on your school grounds and experience the benefits for decades to come.
For more information, visit:
Outdoor spaces, including the schoolground, can foster authentic learning and should be considered an extension of the classroom. The TDSB has a long history of supporting outdoor learning, both through its EcoSchools program and Toronto Outdoor Education Schools (TOES). Learn more about how you can promote outdoor learning as an educator, caregiver or member of the school community.
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