Trust for Public Land

https://www.tpl.org/our-work/minnesota

From parks in Minneapolis and Saint Paul to the rivers, woods, and prairies of Minnesota, we don't just save land – we save land for people to enjoy. With an emphasis on community, equity, climate, and health we work with schoolyards, parks, trails, and land conservation.

Organization Type: Educational Consultants or Service/Product Providers – for example: Curriculum provider or teacher training; Professional organizations for educational professionals; Educational teaching and research organizations, Non-Profit

Locations Served: MN

Contact: Eric Weiss

Email: eric.weiss@tpl.org

Types of Resources Offered:

Training, Professional or Specialty Advice, Connections/Network, Materials, Equipment, or Products, In-Kind Time (various), Funding/Grants

Cost to the School for Resources Offered:

Free, Mostly Free: may require a small participation or materials fee

Best Practices Ares for Assistance:

0. Organizational Leadership

1. Green Team: Participating districts and schools form a green team made up diverse roles and stakeholders., 2. GreenStep School Resolution: The district passes a resolution to participate in GreenStep, signed by particpating schools., 3. Widespread Communication: District/School communicate activities and accomplishements to families, students, staff, and stakeholders., 4. Equity And Diversity: District/School Proactively plans for equitable and diverse participation in the program and projects, 5. Green School Strategic Plan: District/School creates a strategic plan and reviews it annually., 6. Community Leadership: District/School contribute their experience to professional and community organizations to foster green school capacity beyond their borders., 7. Advanced Recognition: District/School seek advanced recognition through programs like Green Ribbon, LEED, or others.

1. Reduced Environmental Impact and Costs

5. Water Efficiency: District/School has very little wasted water indoors and in the school yard., 6. Onsite Stormwater Management: Schoolyards include areas that are natural and help rain soak deep into the ground., 7. Community Spaces: Schools and schoolyards include areas that the community can use., 9. Commuting Efficiency: Many students and staff walk, bike, carpool or bus to school., 11. Climate Adaptation and Community Resilience: District/School has planned and prepared for extreme weather, adaptation to changing climatic conditions, and has fostered strong community connections.

2. Improved Health and Wellness

5. Physical Activity: Students have ample physical education or outdoor time during each school day., 8. Sustainable Food: District/School purchases food with green features such as organic, fair trade, or locally grown., 9. Health Resources and Planning: District/School has health resources (e.g. a nurse or health aid) and has an overall health plan that includes mental health, positive school climate, inclusivity, equity, and safety.

3. Effective Environmental and Sustainability Education

1. Integrated Environmental Education: Environmental education is integrated throughout the curriculum., 2. Outdoor Learning: Outdoor learning experiences are provided ., 5. Community Projects: Students conduct environmental community engagement projects ., 6. Community Engagement: The district/school partners with community organizations to advance green school achievement.

Additional Detail:

TPL is launching its Green Schoolyards program in Minnesota and is able to support schools with community engagement and participatory design, strategy and planning, budgeting and fundraising, design, curriculum and programming. We are also able to support communities in park development, conservation finance, data analysis, and advocacy.