Schoolyard Habitats Program

 

Schoolyard Habitats is a program offered by the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary that helps schools transform their properties into outdoor classrooms where children can learn about native-plant landscapes and improving water quality. This program is an excellent endeavor by itself, or it can play an integral role if your school is participating in the Eco-Schools USA program offered by the National Wildlife Federation.

For more information on how you can participate, please call Laura Whalen at (800) 445-4935, extension 107. In the meantime, you may also benefit from our informative Guide to Stormwater Management on School Campuses (PDF file) and its supplementary instructions (Word file) on how to perform an infiltration test.

Students create a riparian buffer along a small stream running through their schoolyard.
Oak Lane Day School - PA


A gap in the existing canopy is filled in by enthusiastic students. Meadow species are also installed to demonstrate succession.
The Schuylkill Center - PA


Invasive species such as privet and Japanese knotweed are removed from a wooded wetland area. Native plants are then installed in their place by eager students.
Springside School - PA


Before

During

After

The University of Delaware's Native Plant Demonstration Garden is shown here, during and after construction. Since 2004, this innovative outdoor exhibit has shown thousands of visitors how they can incorporate native plants into their home and office landscaping. Please click here to download a fact sheet about this garden located at the College of Earth, Ocean, and the Environment in Lewes, Delaware (PDF file).

Photo Credits: Delaware Sea Grant