1. Green School Initiative

2. Why Children Need Nature Research suggests that a connection to nature is biologically innate; as humans, we have an affinity for the natural world. When children spend most of their time indoors, they miss out. Problems associated with alienation from nature include familiar maladies: depression, obesity, and attention deficit disorder.obesity

3. Natural Settings Help Learning Kids who have direct access to nature are better learners. Exposure to nature has been shown to reduce stress and increase attention spans. Teaching hands-on experiences outdoors motivates students and teachers.

4. State and National Initiatives

5. Queens Creek Elementary Initiative Form an Eco Action Team of students, teachers, parents and community leaders. Become a certified as: PLT Green School Eco-School USA US Dept of Education Green Ribbon School

6. Develop a Eco-Action Team that participates in investigations with the assistance of: Content experts- Naturalist, Foresters, Gardeners, Scientist, Bird Watchers Grants- Form a grant writing team to develop grants Grants Community resources- County Extension office, Coastal Federation, Wildlife Rehab, Universities Receive Training- Project WET, Project WILD, Project Learning Tree Parent Volunteers!