Call to Action: 

• Engage with Landscape Architects on your projects.
• Observe students playing and learning outside in a natural setting; incorporate what you observe into your project design.
• Engage with instruction regarding nature-based and outdoor learning.

Abstract: As school districts develop outdoor learning environments and green schoolyards, design teams are looking to landscape architects to take the lead in developing learning environments. What better advocates for nature-based learning than professionals that chose to work with nature as their life’s work? How does the built environment inform the learning that happens outdoors on a school campus? How do we support outdoor learning by providing an environment that acts as a springboard for nature-based learning? Through the design and layout of the playground, the selection of plants and trees, incorporation of locally available rocks and hardscape materials, and design for water conservation and stormwater mitigation, the outdoor built environment can enhance and support the growth of nature-based learning at our schools. Using storytelling, landscape design inspires students to engage in nature-based learning experience in their schoolyard. Landscape storytelling can be narrative, based on a children’s story or fable; it can tell a natural habitat story; or it can be a story of the cultural, geologic, or ecological history of a place. Utilizing storytelling not only engages and draws students to the outdoors but also makes the outdoor learning environments accessible to teachers. Los Angeles Unified is working towards the goal of 30% green and natural school yards at all school sites. This massive undertaking requires working with landscape architects and architects across the region at multiple sites, developing metrics and standards for measuring and tracking progress toward the goal, updating and developing standards for facilities and maintenance, and all in support of nature-based learning.

Panelists include a representative of Los Angeles Unified and two landscape architects who have been working on projects with the District for many years to develop green schoolyards. Utilizing case studies of built and planned projects, the panel will share stories of the transformation of urban campuses to connect our students to nature. The presenters will engage participants in group activities exploring outdoor learning opportunities and creative storytelling methodologies utilized in the design and planning process. Pictures, poems, quotes, and experiences may be used to generate energy, enthusiasm and vision for a learning environment. “A circle of 6-foot pines is a forest to young children.” Mary Rivkin, University of Maryland, from Last Child in the Woods, by Richard Louv.   

Learning Objectives:

1. Learn different ways of developing outdoor learning environments and green school yards that engage and inspire students.
2. Learn how the selection of plants and trees and schoolyard design can provide opportunities for learning nature-based lessons for the teachers and students.
3. Learn the value of outdoor learning and connecting with nature.
4. Gain knowledge about ways to use story to engage learners of all ages and connect and reflect the school community and culture.