To Sustain our Democracy, We Must Embrace Civic Engagement
Give the Gift of Nature
Nurturing the Seeds of Our Future
Millions of acres of school-owned land have been left out of the greater public land conservation debate, creating a significant disconnect between the natural environment that school children experience each day and the world we wish them to inherit.
smallMatters Institute’s Give the Gift of Nature initiative transforms how America values public school land as both an educational tool and a national strategic asset. We’re creating a national conservancy model for K-12 schools as an investment in the natural world and our children, regardless of zip code, race or class.
By working with students and staff to build and maintain gardens or aesthetically pleasing green spaces, we tap into school property potential to support:
- Early childhood development
- Community wellness
- Professional skill development
- Neighborhood development
- Participatory democracy through self-empowerment
- Cross-sector civic engagement
Nurturing the Seeds
of Our Future
Millions of acres of school-owned land have been left out of the greater public land conservation debate, creating a significant disconnect between the natural environment that school children experience each day and the world we wish them to inherit.
smallMatters Institute’s Give the Gift of Nature initiative transforms how America values public school land as both an educational tool and a national strategic asset. We’re creating a national conservancy model for K-12 schools as an investment in the natural world and our children, regardless of zip code, race or class.
By working with students and staff to build and maintain gardens or aesthetically pleasing green spaces, we tap into school property potential to support:
- Early childhood development
- Community wellness
- Professional skill development
- Neighborhood development
- Participatory democracy through self-empowerment
- Cross-sector civic engagement
Canon Elementary in Black Canyon City, Arizona, before Gift the Gift of Nature. Stay tuned for updates!
Why Increase Greenery at Public Schools?
The concept of biophilia says humans have an innate desire or tendency to commune with nature. In fact, there is plenty of scientific research that shows planting trees or other greenery around schools improves academic performance and wellbeing. Nature truly is a gift for our children, families and educational communities.
- Tree Cover & Math Performance – In a study published in the Frontiers of Psychology, researchers from the University of Illinois investigated a connection between tree cover and academic achievement at 318 public elementary schools in Chicago serving predominantly low-income students. According to the study’s findings, math test scores improved with more trees in the schoolyard.
- Green Landscapes & Reading Test Scores – A study conducted in Minnesota analyzed 222 schools in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area, which is socioeconomically and demographically diverse. After considering these variables, researchers found schools with more tree canopy were linked to higher reading test scores.
- Nature & Childhood Development – According to the Child Mind Institute, nature benefits kids in numerous ways, including building confidence, promoting creativity and imagination and teaching responsibility. Additionally, the Attention Restoration Theory says natural environments can help reduce stress and fatigue.
Crafting a Scalable Program for Schools Nationwide
With proof-of-concept projects at public schools in New York, Arizona and Texas, we’re creating a replicable conservancy model that school districts across the country can replicate. Taking an outcome-based accountability approach, we measure social and economic metrics to determine long-term impacts and viability, specifically those around:
- Student achievement
- Teacher retention
- Parent satisfaction and participation
- Corporate, institutional and philanthropic return on investment
- Property values
- Neighborhood economic development
We’d Love to Hear from You
We all benefit when our children grow up to be responsible citizens; but raising the next generation is a national effort that goes far beyond one school, community or organization’s capability. Much progress is to be made, and everyone is welcome to bring their own perspective, talents and skills.
We’d Love to
Hear from You
We all benefit when our children grow up to be responsible citizens; but raising the next generation is a national effort that goes far beyond one school, community or organization’s capability. Much progress is to be made, and everyone is welcome to bring their own perspective, talents and skills.