Schoolyard Forest Case Studies

This webpage celebrates and documents existing schoolyard forests, as well as initiatives and policies that support the protection, creation, long term maintenance, and use of forested spaces at school. The case study examples on this webpage document a range of creative strategies and approaches that respond to their local community context, climate, setting, site, and location. Case studies will be added to this webpage over time. It currently includes examples from California school districts including: Berkeley Unified School District, Rialto Unified School District, Los Angeles Unified School District, Oakland Unified School District, Lagunitas School District and Harmoney Union School District.

This resource is particularly valuable for school administrators, educators, landscape designers, and policymakers aiming to enhance outdoor learning spaces. By showcasing real-world examples, it demonstrates the multifaceted benefits of schoolyard forests, including improved student well-being, enriched educational experiences, and environmental sustainability. The case studies serve as both inspiration and a practical guide for those looking to implement similar initiatives in their own contexts as they provide examples of diverse approaches to green schoolyards tailored to context and settings. By exploring these case studies, stakeholders can gain a clearer understanding of the processes, challenges, and rewards associated with developing schoolyard forests, empowering them to create healthier and more engaging learning environments.