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How to Become a Maryland Green School

Baltimore County Green Schools & Centers

Baltimore County leads the State in the number of Green School awards.

Students proudly display their Green School award.

Hands-on activities enhance a students' learning experience.

The Maryland Green School Award  recognizes schools and nature centers in Baltimore County and throughout the State that use nature as a context for learning. A Maryland Green School application is prepared by school staff, students, parents, and community partners and documents the school's accomplishments. Awards are non-competitive and highlight activities over a two year period. A short reapplication every four years will maintain a school's Green School status. Applications are accepted each Spring.

Green School Application

Three major components of the application include:

1. A one-page cover sheet, signed by the principal, containing basic information about the school and the local nominating committee.
2. A one-page concise summary of the school's Green School activities.
3. A short written description and documentation of the required activities (see 3 objectives below):

• Curriculum and Instruction
  - Environmental curriculum connections
  - Professional development
  - Celebration
  
• Design, Operation and Maintenance of School Building and Grounds, minimum 4 from below:
  - Water Conservation/Water Pollution Prevention 
  - Energy Conservation
  - Solid Waste Reduction
  - Habitat Restoration
  - Structures for Environmental Learning
  - Responsible Transportation
  - Healthy School Environment
  
• School-Community Partnerships for Action
  - The school is active in the community or brings the community to the school

Maryland Green School and Green Center Resources

Resources are available for helping to complete the application process and for implementing projects.

• The Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education (MAEOE) sponsors the Green School program and an annual conference promoting outdoor environmental education.
• The path to becoming a Green School starts with just a few basic steps.  Download an introduction (PDF) to the Maryland Green School program.
• Baltimore County Public Schools provide assistance from their Office of Science.
• Baltimore County DEPRM provides assistance from their environmental education staff.
• The Maryland DNR Tree-Mendous program offers a 1:1 match of free trees and and Baltimore County DEPRM will provide free delivery of the trees.
• Irvine Nature Center and Herring Run Watershed Association, Baltimore County's MD Green Centers, provide outdoor education and technical support for Baltimore County's Green Schools and the community.

Maryland Green Centers

Maryland Green Centers model environmental best management practices, provide environmental programs for the community, and help schools engage in site-based environmental education and work towards a MD Green School recognition.  The Maryland Green Center recognition is a component of the Maryland Green School Award Program and is sponsored by the MD Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education (MAEOE).  Applications are accepted every April and require recertification every four years.

Baltimore County's Green Schools, 1999–2008

Baltimore County continues to have one of Maryland's strongest Green School representation.  See the most current list of Green Schools and Centers (PDF) in Baltimore County and read a summary of their accomplishments (PDF). 

Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education (MAEOE) sponsors the Maryland Green School Award program.

New Green School Art Contest, Fall 2009
Open to All Schools in Baltimore County

Environmental Best Practices "Using Art to Persuade"

Students at all PreK-12 public and private schools in Baltimore County have an opportunity to use their skills and knowledge to raise awareness and promote sustainable best environmental practices.

The contest officially begins September 10, and runs until the deadline on December 18.

Purpose

• To encourage schools to participate in projects and activities that can lead to a Maryland Green School Award recognition
• To spread the word through art, that "best practices" are good choices that everyone can make everyday
• Through this project, to help kids discover that their messages can be heard, their artfully crafted pictures can have an effect, and that everyone's actions can make a difference.

Get more information (PDF) about the environmental art contest.

We invite Baltimore County Schools to register (PDF) and participate in our Maryland Green School Best Management Practices (BMP) Art Contest. Schools may enter (PDF) students into the art contest. 

Contact Information
Environmental Education and Outreach
Phone: 410-887-4488 x251
Fax: 410-887-4804
E-mail: watersheds@baltimorecountymd.gov

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