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August 28, 2025
LANSING – One school and a school district are being honored with 2025 Michigan Green Ribbon Schools awards for their environmental efforts.
The Michigan Department of Education selected West Maple Elementary in Birmingham Public Schools and the Lansing School District. The award honors schools, districts, early learning centers, and postsecondary institutions for reducing environmental impact and costs, improving health and wellness, and offering effective environmental sustainability education. The 2025 highlights report illustrates the accomplishments of the two honorees in these areas.
“Green Ribbon Schools help take care of our environment and teach children the importance of doing so,” said State Superintendent Dr. Michael F. Rice. “West Maple Elementary School and the Lansing School District can serve as examples for other schools that want to apply classroom learning about the environment to the real world.”
MDE coordinates the annual Green Ribbon Schools application and works collaboratively with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to provide support to potential candidates and review applications.
“We’re proud of our Michigan Green Ribbon School honorees, who demonstrate a commitment to sustainability, environmental education, and healthy living,” said Samantha Lichtenwald, Michigan Green Schools coordinator in EGLE’s Environmental Support Division. “These schools showcase their progress and dedication through a competitive application and review process as they make a positive difference in their communities and beyond.”
In the area of STEM education, Lansing School District is integrating sustainability to prepare students for green careers. Through a citywide coalition grant, its Urban Forestry initiative offers paid internships, forestry courses at Lansing Tech, and a middle school forestry camp at Ebersole Environmental Education Center. Students engage in tree planting projects that improve air quality, reduce urban heat, and enhance stormwater management—gaining hands-on experience while improving their community.
West Maple Elementary is empowering students to become environmental stewards through immersive outdoor education and sustainability-focused programs. From gardening with parent volunteers to support the Empty Bowls hunger relief project, to monthly school Green Team meetings featuring guest speakers from DTE Energy and Selfridge Air National Guard Base, students explore real-world solutions to climate challenges.
For more information or to apply for the 2025-26 Green Ribbon Schools award visit the Michigan's Green Ribbon Schools website.
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