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 program.  Awards are non-competitive and highlight activities over a two year period.  A short reapplication every three 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 issue instruction
  - Professional development
  - Celebration
  
• Operation and Design 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

Green School 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.
• 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, Baltimore County's first Green Center, provides outdoor education and technical support for Baltimore County's Green Schools and the community.

Baltimore County's Green Schools, 1999–2006

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

Is Your School a Green School?

Contact Information
Jeanne Armacost, Natural Resource Specialist
Phone: 410-887-4488 x251
Fax: 410-887-4804
E-mail: jarmacost@baltimorecountymd.gov

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