Robin Blut, executive director of Keep Houston Beautiful, says all three of the schools created “outdoor classrooms” where students have an opportunity to learn about the environment in a hands-on way. “There is a movement within Houston to have outdoor playscapes and gardens,” she said. “They serve as a learning landscape.”

Here is more information about the schools receiving awards:

Berry Elementary School
Distinguished Service Award

Students from Berry Elementary School, an environmental science magnet school, worked with students from nearby St. John’s School to create a community park. The new SPARK park will have playground equipment and a nature trail where students can learn about the lifecycle of animals.

McReynolds Middle School
Proud Partner Award

McReynolds Middle School is being recognized for its “solar shade tree.” The structure includes solar panels and serves as an outdoor classroom where students learn about methods for producing alternative energy. Students are also learning about rainwater harvesting, flood mitigation, and native biospheres within the rain garden.

Piney Point Elementary School
Proud Partner Award

The gardens at Piney Point Elementary School serve as a carefully planned natural learning environment. The outdoor space includes a butterfly garden, two rain gardens, and an area with natural and recycled materials, such as stumps cut into different sizes where children can play.