Executive Summary
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The Ecology Action Centre (EAC), in collaboration with The Evergreen Foundation, Halifax Regional District Schools, Home and School Associations, Department of Health, local business', Halifax Regional Municipality, and Dalhousie University have begun a School Ground Natualization (SGN) project in Nova Scotia. School Ground Naturalization is the process of transforming school grounds into green areas rich with native plants and wildlife, thus providing an environment where children can explore and experience the many intricacies of nature. This one project alone will touch over 8,000 students and their families by December of 1998.

The wheels of this project have been in motion since September of 1995. The Dartmouth area was initially chosen as a prototype because of the need in this urban centre. Twelve schools initially showed their enthusiasm for the SGN project as evidenced by their development of a proposed needs assessment plan for their school grounds. Another thirteen schools enrolled, without solicitation, in January and February of 1997. There is also a waiting list of five schools.

Prior to the development of the past few centuries, our land teemed with wildlife and vegetation. Now, as biodiversity around the world declines, there arises an opportunity to assist nature re-establish itself within its most fitting microclimate with native species and to curb this serious environmental trend. The school is a logical setting within which to establish natural areas. At this very local level, young children, their families, and local community members can actively influence their surroundings. SGN is a common sense approach that brings global issues into the hands of children who will inherit them. The schools will be involved in a site analysis through a biological inventory of the grounds prior to planting and again one year after the initial planting to monitor species diversity changes.

Through a SGN program, as the confidence of teachers grows, we can teach about food production with gardening. We can also teach about ecosystems, pond life, native species of plants and wildlife, composting (nature's recycling), harmony, and respect. This leads to stewardship being instilled as more and more students pass through the schools with this hands-on outdoor learning. Children, families, and communities will be doing something positive for their own local neighbourhood.

SGN is a unique approach to teaching in an outdoor setting and can be created with very little cost to the school board. Grounds maintenance costs will be reduced as natural landscapes replace high maintenance ones. Reduced bussing costs will occur as well, since students will not have to be transported to distant natural areas for field trips or science/social studies exercises.

One of the unique components of this project is the involvement of health professionals. This project embraces two aspects of health--physical and mental. Nova Scotia Department of Health Nurses, who visit schools regularly, will be gathering "knocks and bumps" data for at least a two year period. With asphalt removal and natural areas replacing open grass, paved or gravel zones, physical injuries may decrease in frequency. Academics are very interested in assessing and researching the schoolyard behaviour of children in relation to this project's development. This very progressive research survey proposes that enhancement of self esteem and reduction of aggressive behaviour can be directly linked to a child's interaction with and respect for natural habitats and natural processes.

This is a well structured, well researched, well documented, expanding, exciting new program in Nova Scotia; one that is in motion for success and duplication. A multidisciplinary, steering committee is continuously enrolling a growing number of institutions and organizations. These committee members bring to this project diverse ideas specific to their areas of expertise, which promises to promote ongoing exploration of future projects and sustainability of this SGN project.

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