Learning Landscapes is Coastal Mountains Land Trust’s conservation and education program designed to facilitate the nature-kid connection throughout the school year with access to open space, place-based learning, and hands-on stewardship experiences.
While our local kids live in small town and rural communities, quality time outdoors is not a given. We are working to remedy “nature deficit disorder” in the Mid-coast region in partnership with school districts, landowners, teachers, and students. Research and experience demonstrate that kids thrive on many levels when provided with outdoor education and hands-on learning.
Learning Landscapes pairs the traditional skills of a land trust—working with landowners to protect land and natural resources—with place-based education in partnership with local teachers, school districts, and communities. It’s become a national model for outdoor education and fostering a land stewardship ethic in the next generation.
CONSERVE – We conserve and maintain outdoor classrooms on campuses and nearby natural areas within a short walk from public schools, making it easy for teachers to take students outside to learn, play, and steward the land.
ENHANCE – We install trails, signs, and seating areas on campuses and adjacent lands to create safe outdoor learning environments. When possible, students participate in land stewardship, trail building, and habitat restoration.
SUPPORT – We train and support K-12 teachers to teach from the land and lead their students in hands-on learning. Learning Landscapes does not directly provide a curriculum but rather gives teachers expertise and tools to become great outdoor educators.
