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MI Green Schools guide: project catalog - grounds and infrastructure

A large and colorful playset with multiple slides on a school playground
Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy

MI Green Schools guide: project catalog - grounds and infrastructure

Green school buildings and outdoor spaces support children and nature. Projects in this category aim to improve building efficiency, lower carbon footprint, and support local ecosystems.

Low-maintenance lawn

Pesticide, fertilizer, grass seeding, mowing, oh my! The costs of grass lawn maintenance can add up fast. Consider short, non-invasive or native ground cover plants which require less upkeep.

Did you know? White clover is a popular nitrogen-fixing plant for lawns, and its nutrient-rich clippings can be left on the ground to act as a fertilizer. See the linked resource for more lawn plant options and details.

This project will require a team including facilities and grounds management.

This project impacts:

 Academics and engagement

 Grounds and infrastructure

 Health and wellbeing

 Operations and procurement

Cost scale:

$0 - free resources and recycled materials

 $25 - $75 - minor purchases or fundraising necessary

 $100 - $500 - significant fundraising necessary

 $500 - $1,000+ - grant funding or partnership necessary

Resources

For adult and youth leaders

Outdoor green curtains

DIY a simple, cheap, and light trellis system grow beautiful green curtains! Leafy plants grow up the trellis and shade the building in summer, insulate classrooms from sound intrusion, and help direct roof runoff away from the building foundation.

All you will need is an angled trellis net suspended from the roof to the ground or a wood trellis against the building. Choose native climbing plants to reduce maintenance.

This project will require a team including facilities staff.

This project impacts:

 Academics and engagement

 Grounds and infrastructure

 Health and wellbeing

 Operations and procurement

Cost scale:

$0 - free resources and recycled materials

 $25 - $75 - minor purchases or fundraising necessary

 $100 - $500 - significant fundraising necessary

 $500 - $1,000+ - grant funding or partnership necessary

Resources

For adult and youth leaders

Pollinator protection prints

Print off some coloring books and pages, word searches, mazes, infographics, posters and more about pollinator protection! Materials suitable for ALL ages!

This project impacts:

 Academics and engagement

 Grounds and infrastructure

 Health and wellbeing

 Operations and procurement

Cost scale:

$0 - free resources and recycled materials

 $25 - $75 - minor purchases or fundraising necessary

 $100 - $500 - significant fundraising necessary

 $500 - $1,000+ - grant funding or partnership necessary

Resources

For school communities

Rain barrel installation

Rain barrels are great for saving money when watering plants during dry periods, but can also support healthy waterways and prevent flooding. Rain barrels are placed at the bottom of roof downspouts and come in various designs.

Calculate how much capacity your barrel needs based on roof size, order a premade barrel or make one out of upcycled materials, install, keep clean, and you’re good to go.

This project impacts:

 Academics and engagement

 Grounds and infrastructure

 Health and wellbeing

 Operations and procurement

Cost scale:

$0 - free resources and recycled materials

 $25 - $75 - minor purchases or fundraising necessary

 $100 - $500 - significant fundraising necessary

 $500 - $1,000+ - grant funding or partnership necessary

Resources

For all school community members

Rain garden project

Rain gardens can improve local water quality while reducing flood risk. See the linked resources to explore how students design and install a rain garden. Can be used by clubs, classes, community teams, etc.

This project will require a team including facilities and grounds management as well as students and teachers.

Contact your local Conservation District to inquire about lower-cost plant sourcing.

This project impacts:

 Academics and engagement

 Grounds and infrastructure

 Health and wellbeing

 Operations and procurement

Cost scale:

$0 - free resources and recycled materials

 $25 - $75 - minor purchases or fundraising necessary

 $100 - $500 - significant fundraising necessary

 $500 - $1,000+ - grant funding or partnership necessary

Resources

For teachers and student leaders

For teachers

School energy audit

The first step to reducing energy use (and costs!) is to audit your current situation.

This activity can be done in a few days, and will help you identify ways energy use can be reduced.

This project impacts:

 Academics and engagement

 Grounds and infrastructure

 Health and wellbeing

 Operations and procurement

Cost scale:

$0 - free resources and recycled materials

 $25 - $75 - minor purchases or fundraising necessary

 $100 - $500 - significant fundraising necessary

 $500 - $1,000+ - grant funding or partnership necessary

Resources

Grades 6 - 12 lesson plan

For building operators

Contact us

For questions about the Michigan Green Schools program, reach out to Samantha Lichtenwald at LichtenwaldS@Michigan.gov or 517-914-1257.

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