Spruce-Up Your Outdoor Classroom

Kara Ficke, Nature Explore Resource Development Manager, CPSI   Kelsey Moline, Nature Explore Classroom Designer

For many, it has been a busy school year and outdoor classrooms have been loved dearly by children, educators and families throughout the fall, winter and spring months.  Summer is a great time to replenish your classroom for the upcoming school year, so let’s roll up our sleeves and check some maintenance to-do’s off the list!

Before you get started, quickly assess your outdoor classroom and jot down the areas that will need attention.  This will help as you plan work days.  We recommend partnering with local civic and youth groups, as well as families – getting community involved to support children’s connection with nature is simply awesome.

Nourishing and Encouraging Plant Growth

Care of Wooden Furnishings

Safety

Pathways and Flooring

Loose Parts

If you have not yet added Keeping it Growing: Sustaining Your Outdoor Classroom to your references, we would highly recommend it.  The sustainability indicators outlined in this book will keep your outdoor classroom thriving and your hard work supported. How has your site worked with families and community members to help maintain your outdoor classroom? Comment below to share with our growing network!