All Hands in the Dirt: A Guide to Designing and Creating Natural School Grounds

Randee Holmes and Cam Collyer

• "Sounds like a good idea. How do we get started?"

• Four Principles for Proceeding
• Applying the Principles of a Participatory Approach
• Consensus Decision Making

• Inspire Others with Your Vision
• A Note to Parents: Connect with School Staff
• A Note to School Staff: Capture the Interest of Parents
• So, You're Ready to Plan an Initial Meeting?

• How to Build an Effective Team
• Forming Committees and Defining Roles
• Establishing a Statement of Purpose
• Working Well with Volunteers

• Make a Base Map
• Mapping the Physical Features of the Site
• Surveying People About How They Use the Space
• Surveying People About How They Feel About the Space

• Some Strategies for Setting Goals
• Take Time to Set Precise Objectives
• Identifying Possible Actions

• Ecological Design
• Dealing with Vandalism and Safety Issues
• Putting the Design on Paper

• Creative Decision Making
• Presenting the Site Design and Your Action Plan
• Benchmarking Accomplishments
• A Maintenance Strategy

• Setting a Budget
• Sources of Support
• Writing Funding Proposals
• Developing a Contact at the Funding Agency
• Remember to Thank Supporters
• A Word of Encouragement

• Getting Organized for the Big Day
• The Planting Day: Ready, Set, Go!
• Publicizing Your Event

• Realizing the Outdoor Classroom
• Sharing the Story
• Connecting to the Community
• Planting Strategies
• Building Traditions

Additional support provided by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.

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