Nature Parks at School

We're transforming schoolgrounds and empowering youth to learn about nature in nature.

What?

Across BC, Nature Parks on schoolgrounds will give students, teachers, and communities a daily dose of the outdoors.

A Global Vision and BC Action for Nature Education

Why?

Kids are calling for more nature in their education. With biodiversity loss and climate change on the rise, we’re helping them take action—starting in their own schoolyards.

Canadians are aware, want to act and don’t know what they can do. Nature spaces on schoolgrounds can be a source of meaningful action for Canadians.

Environment and Climate Change Canada

How?

By 2030, we’re working to establish Nature Parks at every school in BC. These spaces will include native plants, wildlife habitats, and spaces for outdoor learning. Plus, students will connect with real projects by the BC Conservation Fund through technology like wildlife cameras and biodiversity data, so they can learn how to take positive action to protect their future and ours.

Education

Read the Report on Our First Collective Impact Meeting

Nature Parks at Schools Timeline

May 2024

First Annual Working
Together Gathering.

May - Sept 2024

Engage with collective
impact partners and
design program.

September 2024

Launch school systems
leaders “Community
of Practice”.

October 2024

Support a Global Vision and share BC Action for
Nature Education
and Conservation
at COP16.

January 2025

Research collective
initiated and
funding secured

February 2025

Launch new
healthybynature.ca
website.

March 2025

Advise on the
National Framework for
Environmental Learning.

April 2025

100 Student Climate and
Biodiversity Leadership
Grants distributed to
100 BC schools.

May 2025

Second Annual Working
Together Gathering and
schools biodiversity
map launched.

June 2025

Student Climate and
Biodiversity Leadership
Grants distributed to
First Nations schools.

Sept 2025 - June 2026

First 5 Nature Parks
and planning with two
additional Provinces.

April 2025

2026/27 School year -
20 Nature Parks at BC schools
and planning underway for
scale across Canada.

Nature Grows Your Brain (Literally!)

Kids who spend more time outdoors develop bigger brain areas linked to memory and attention.

Better Focus, No Side Effects

A 20-minute walk in a park significantly improves the attention of kids with ADHD—rivalling the effects of stimulant meds.

Higher Grades, Happier Students

Schools with more trees and greenery outside the classroom windows score higher on standardized tests and have better graduation rates.

More Teamwork, Less Conflict

When schools green their playgrounds, kids play more cooperatively, communicate better, and show less aggressive behavior.

An Ecosystem of Learning

Through our Community of Practice, students, teachers, and administrators share ideas, wins, and ways to overcome challenges—together.

Drives Canadian Research

By tracking biodiversity, learning outcomes, and health data, our research partners measure just how powerful outdoor learning really is.

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