New Partnerships Tackle Old Problems

October 18, 2010

 

JVS team at St. Paul's Catholic School. (Photo: Anne Dabrowski)

 

Looking back, I think one of Learning Grounds’ most important accomplishments this summer was a small-scale idea that had a big impact. We were able to tackle one of the largest issues in school ground greening: summer maintenance.

So often we hear from schools who have a beautiful garden, but no one to tend it over the summer months when maintenance is needed. Many times the survival of school gardens falls on the shoulders of one or two dedicated teachers who take it on because there is simply no one else available. And while some schools are able to organize family garden teams over the summer, many schools are left without staff and without options for summer garden maintenance. But this summer, we were lucky enough to be able to create a partnership–the first of its kind in Toronto–that not only ensured three school gardens survived the summer, but also provided much-needed greening opportunities to community members.

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Comments Off | Gardening, In the Field, School Ground Greening | Permalink
Posted by Anne from Learning Grounds

Summer’s Designer Shades

August 10, 2010

Beaver Lodge Fort provides a shady nook for little ones at Evergreen Brick Works, Toronto, ON. (Photo: Lyle Sadavoy)

Here in Learning Grounds, we work hard to get kids outside, and shade is a big part of keeping them safe while they’re there. Escaping to shade not only feels good, it is becoming increasingly important for children’s health. According to the Canadian Dermatology Association, people born in the 1990s have a 2 to 3 times higher lifetime risk of skin cancer than those born in the 1960′s. To put it a different way, if you’re currently between 11 and 20 years old, you have a 1 in 6 lifetime risk of  skin cancer, compared to those between 41 and 50 years  old, whose lifetime risk is 1 in 20.

The good news is that anyone can create shade at home and or on school grounds. Shade structures can range in price and complexity, from a straight-forward tarp or tent to a vine-covered pergola or gazebo. Read on for inspiration and links to our free shade resources.

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3 Comments | Art, Gardening, Green Tips, School Ground Greening, Transformations, Vancouver | Permalink
Posted by Anne from Learning Grounds

Design on Canadian School Grounds: John M. King School, Winnipeg, MB

June 28, 2010

John M. King - after. Photo: Sandra Buckberger

I love a good before-and-after shot. It’s so inspiring to see how good, creative, thoughtful design can transform a space. Take a look at how new design, natural elements, and careful planning completely changed the look and feel of the  Early Years Exploration Area at John M. King in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

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1 Comment | School Ground Greening, Transformations | Permalink
Posted by Anne from Learning Grounds

Cure for Spring Fever: Make Your Own Art

May 26, 2010

Agnew H. Johnston Public School, Thunder Bay, ON (left); Alex Ferguson School, Calgary, AB (right).

If you’re like me, you have an excess of energy for spring DIY projects. I’m always looking for easy ways to make my space feel fresh and revived after a long winter. One of the easiest things you can do to renew your outdoor space on a budget is to incorporate art.

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2 Comments | Art, Gardening, Green Tips, School Ground Greening | Permalink
Posted by Anne from Learning Grounds

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