Maryland Expands Schoolyard Forest Program to Enhance Student Well-being and Environmental Education

BALTIMORE, MD – In an initiative designed to foster environmental stewardship and improve educational experiences, the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), in collaboration with the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), is broadening its Schoolyard Forests Program. This program, a key component of the state’s ambitious Maryland 5 Million Trees initiative, aims to transform school grounds into vibrant outdoor learning environments through the planting and care of trees. The collaborative effort underscores a commitment to integrating hands-on environmental education with the state’s broader ecological goals.

The Schoolyard Forests Program, managed by the DNR Maryland Forest Service, provides schools with the resources and support to establish outdoor spaces conducive to student well-being and enriched learning. These spaces are developed through tree planting, ongoing tree care, and comprehensive environmental education. As part of the larger Maryland 5 Million Trees initiative, which has already seen the planting of over 1.5 million native trees, the Schoolyard Forests Program represents a significant stride toward the state’s objective of planting five million trees by 2031. A recent event highlighting this collaboration took place at Northview Elementary School in Prince George’s County Public Schools, where students actively participated in planting 30 trees, including species such as redbud, flowering dogwood, and tulip poplar.

This program is designed to offer tangible benefits to students and their communities. By engaging directly in the planting and maintenance of trees, students gain valuable knowledge about environmental science and ecology. This process also cultivates a sense of ownership, pride, and a deeper connection to their school campuses and the surrounding communities. The hands-on nature of the program is intended to inspire young people and instill a commitment to environmental protection.

Furthermore, the expansion of the Schoolyard Forests Program aims to create healthier and greener environments within schools across Maryland, offering students improved spaces for learning, recreation, and connection with the natural world. These projects are viewed as opportunities to unite communities, enhance local air quality, and nurture a new generation of environmental leaders. Research consistently indicates that access to outdoor learning environments can positively impact academic performance, sharpen problem-solving abilities, and reduce stress levels in children. By increasing the number of trees and outdoor learning spaces in Maryland schools, the state is working to provide these enhanced educational opportunities and ensure broader student access to natural areas.

The Schoolyard Forests Program aligns with several key state-level objectives, including those related to climate action, water quality improvement, and educational advancement, as outlined in legislation such as the Climate Solutions Now Act and the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Act, as well as the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement. The program also supports the goal of providing equitable access to green spaces and outdoor educational experiences statewide. This initiative is consistent with executive orders aimed at empowering Maryland’s youth through partnerships focused on outdoor learning. Residents can expect to see more green spaces on school grounds, which may lead to increased opportunities for outdoor classroom activities and a more aesthetically pleasing and environmentally beneficial school environment.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Maryland State Department of Education

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