Education / Schools
As with all of the Prototype Elementary schools in the bond program, Sifton was one of the schools in Evergreen Schools to get a nature play area. Complete with building tables, wander curb, log hoppers and a tic-tac-toe board, these spaces are a big hit!
When the view out the window inspires art in the classroom....we have seen lots of great window and windowsill art popping up at the new bond projects!
As with all of the Prototype Elementary schools in the bond program, Sifton was one of the schools in Evergreen Schools to get a nature play area. Complete with building tables, wander curb, log hoppers and a tic-tac-toe board, these spaces are a big hit!
EVERGREEN PS BOND
Vancouver, WA
Kids dream up all sorts of cool inventions.....now they have a place to do it. Kids can collect materials from around campus and build away
This super fun swing fits 2 or 3 kids for lots of fun
Kids dream up all sorts of cool inventions.....now they have a place to do it. Kids can collect materials from around campus and build away
VPS KING ES
Vancouver, WA
Lots of different fun playground elements for everyone including three types of swings, for all abilties
NW Playgrounds designed big kid and little kid playground features so that everyone can plan
Lots of different fun playground elements for everyone including three types of swings, for all abilties
VPS TRUMAN ES
Vancouver, WA
A simple master plan allowed the PTO to host a fundraising event that raised enough funds to implement all of the features, with community support. The overall plan expanded recess areas from just under 1 acre to over 3 acres for play!
NPD donated service over several years to help the PTA plan, build and install several phases of their campus improvements.
A community partnership allowed volunteers the unique experience to visit a mill and build benches
A simple master plan allowed the PTO to host a fundraising event that raised enough funds to implement all of the features, with community support. The overall plan expanded recess areas from just under 1 acre to over 3 acres for play!
VPS HARNEY ES
Vancouver, WA
With lots of input from the students, their vision takes shape. Then they and their families helped to get it in the ground!
Located right outside the cafeteria, kids have quick access to nature and fun where they make up the games
With lots of input from the students, their vision takes shape. Then they and their families helped to get it in the ground!
CPS WOODBURN ES
Camas, WA
With the approved Master Plan in place, staff were able to write grants and work with community partners to get the features added to the school campus
The gardens around the existing greenhouse were expanded to accommodate multiple classes with their learning.
With the approved Master Plan in place, staff were able to write grants and work with community partners to get the features added to the school campus
VPS FLEX ACADEMY
Vancouver, WA
Campus Improvement Plan will guide fundraise and campus development projects including accessibility improvements, community garden access, diverse play features, gathering areas and loop path systems.
Campus Improvement Plan will guide fundraise and campus development projects including accessibility improvements, community garden access, diverse play features, gathering areas and loop path systems.
ST. ANDREW PRESCHOOL
Vancouver, WA
Using lots of fun colors and accessible equity for all users, the playground is a favorite at recess and by the neighborhood during the summer months
An early childhood play space is right outside the door and has lots of room to bring out a diversity of play equipment include trikes, sensory tables, ball games and more
Using lots of fun colors and accessible equity for all users, the playground is a favorite at recess and by the neighborhood during the summer months
VPS WALNUT GROVE ES
Vancouver, WA
Photo source VPS. Staff and teachers pose on the nature play before the kick off at their new building.....I think they are really excited!
Under construction and ready in late Fall 2020
Secured courtyards on each side of the building provide safe outdoor access for calming, gathering and views of nature, this courtyard overlooks a classic fir grove
Photo source VPS. Staff and teachers pose on the nature play before the kick off at their new building.....I think they are really excited!
VPS TANGEMAN CENTER
Vancouver, WA
Using native plants as part of the learning has been one of the design goals from the start.
Using native plants as part of the learning has been one of the design goals from the start.
VPS OGDEN ES
Vancouver, WA
Although a small campus, the playground is packed with fun with structures for all kinds of play, ball games, nature play and pathways. Future learning gardens will be built in partnership with Hudson's Bay HS ACES program.
From the LSW Architects flythrough video, the Kindergarten courtyard is an open and airy outdoor learning experience with garden plants, plenty of space to run and create new games.
Although a small campus, the playground is packed with fun with structures for all kinds of play, ball games, nature play and pathways. Future learning gardens will be built in partnership with Hudson's Bay HS ACES program.
VPS VITA ES
Vancouver, WA
Partner horticultural therapist programming at lunch recess allows every student to have access to nature and learn about all sorts of garden projects
A little corner of the world for these students flourishes with over 30 species of flowers
Partner horticultural therapist programming at lunch recess allows every student to have access to nature and learn about all sorts of garden projects
VPS HOUGH ES
Vancouver, WA
Using in person meetings, online Zoom community meetings, Google surveys and student input, the plan took into consideration the amazing ideas from staff, students and the thriving neighborhood and community partners.
The overall campus vision prior to construction documents. Using COVID relief funds, additional Phase 1 improvements will include the covered shelter area and South Lawn loop path and play elements built spring 2023
Using in person meetings, online Zoom community meetings, Google surveys and student input, the plan took into consideration the amazing ideas from staff, students and the thriving neighborhood and community partners.
PPS HEAD START CAMPUSES
Portland, OR
A full campus update plan was developed based on an amazing 4th grade teacher's vision. The whole community chimed in and will be building features in phases over the next few years
A parent volunteer updated overgrown courtyard gardens with native and butterfly plants. NPD created interpretive signage for self-guided learning at recess and in-class time
CAMPUS UPDATE PLANS Vancouver, WA
Coalition Building / Community Engagement
Visit the LCNN website for all sort of great information about where to go and what to do outdoors in SW WA region. Also, resources for schools, accessibility and our partners.
For families that want to get outdoors, this page is full of great ideas to adventure near and far in the great outdoors
Visit the LCNN website for all sort of great information about where to go and what to do outdoors in SW WA region. Also, resources for schools, accessibility and our partners.
Lower Columbia
Nature Network
Southwest WA region
The 2021-2023 cohorts is one of several across the country working to increase access to nature. The SW WA team is working on several fronts, including Nature Smart Library ideas, but is focusing on creating a Green Schoolyard Action Plan
Clark County Public Health's map of GOSY projects
The 2021-2023 cohorts is one of several across the country working to increase access to nature. The SW WA team is working on several fronts, including Nature Smart Library ideas, but is focusing on creating a Green Schoolyard Action Plan
Cities Connecting Children
to Nature
Southwest WA region
Supported with many partner groups, the vision for the new Community Nature Center is moving forward.
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Community Engagement
Southwest WA region
Habitat & Ecological Restoration
Pollinator sign and lots of blooming flowers!
A mix of evergreen shrubs and perennials bloom all year to support the health of wildife and add beauty to the entrance
CPU communications team created beautiful signs and a web page to teach about this special space
Pollinator sign and lots of blooming flowers!
CLARK PUBLIC UTILITIES
Service Center on 117th Av.
Vancouver, WA
Lots of blooms all season long add beauty as folks drive into the employee parking lot
A diversity of colors, flower shapes and bloom times means that there are flowers all year long to support wildlife and add beauty to the campus
Teacher Amy Carpenter and CPU project coordinator Michael O'Loughlin celebrate the new planting
Lots of blooms all season long add beauty as folks drive into the employee parking lot
CLARK PUBLIC UTILITIES
Electric Center Fort Vancouver Way
Vancouver, WA
In support of the Backyard Habitat Program
Small patches of habitat help support all sorts of wildlife
Updating existing landscapes by removing older plants with new native species to add to the various layers for birds, mammals and insects
In support of the Backyard Habitat Program
BACKYARD HABITAT PROJECTS
Various residential sites
Southwest WA
Greening of Schoolyards Movement
NPD helped write several sections of the on-line library in the Outdoor Infrastructure group, such as seating, play, gardens, allergen considerations and more. As the lead for the PNW Design Volunteers she coordinated with GSA staff, regional volunteers and clients requesting help