Green Roof on PS 41 in New York

The only space was on the roof. PS 41 felt very vertical to me. I climbed up and down the four flights of stairs about fifty times during our interviews. But I grew to love that climb. I climbed up to one of the most peaceful places I have ever visited. When I reached the top and looked out at the green roof, it was the smell that surprised me the most. It smelled wonderful—like a meadow. Even though the plants there are very tiny, they gave the most wonderful scent. Most of the plants are succulents, or plants that live without much soil or water. There is only about four inches of soil under those plants. The architects had to minimize the weight of the green roof components because the roof wasn’t built to hold all those plants and people. A green roof was likely not on the agenda when they built PS 41 decades ago.

Only forty adults can be on the roof at one time, which adds to its tranquility, if you ask me. I wish my video diary could convey the smell, but just imagine you are in a meadow, and hopefully the visuals will transport you there:

Click here to view the embedded video.

In the coming weeks, our plan is to share stories about the amazing people who made this green roof a reality. As a parent, I can’t imagine signing up to such a project – so much work, fundraising, engineering research. But my co-workers scoffed at my skepticism. They said, “Carla, can’t you see? When you have such a big dream, you are magnet to amazing people, and they help you get it done.” Big dreams – I’m familiar with that. I know these folks inspired me with my big dreams and I hope they do the same for you. In the meantime, consider registering your school as an Eco-School and join our big dream today!

Kindergartners congregate on PS 41′s Greenroof Environmental Learning Laboratory in Manhatten. Photo by Carla Brown.

Me in my crate playground quite a few years ago

I grew up in downtown Philadelphia, where sidewalks and concrete abound.  I was a lucky kid too – I went to a school that took us out to a retired farm once a week and set us loose to explore after a hands on science lesson.  It was amazing, but it was just once a week, we had to leave the city, and most kids I knew didn’t have that opportunity.  That experience inspired me to work to ensure that all kids have the chance to fall in love with nature right in their own schools and communities. Stepping out onto the roof at PS41 affirmed my commitment to this work.

Already PS41’s Greenroof Environmental Literacy Laboratory, lush with native plants, serves as a haven for migrating birds (check out this gorgeous Northern Parula that found its way there for a rest while migrating South for the winter just days after the roof was completed!) and a calm and beautiful oasis of hands on, experiential environmental learning.  The 804 students who attend the school are already using the site to enhance their science, math, literacy, and art knowledge and skills.

A Northern Parula spotted on the green roof of PS 41. Photo courtesy Vicki Sando.

Rather than paving the way for the future, they are greening the way!

All kids deserve such great teachers, school leaders, and such great opportunities.  Right now, your school can register to become an eco-school to create a better future for your students and celebrate the great work that is underway. Already in New York City 44 schools have signed up.  What is your school doing to green the way for your students?

P.S. Stay tuned for stories of some of the inspiring leaders, like Vicki Sando in the pic below, who made this dream a reality!

Vicki Sando, a teacher at PS 41, reads from The Curious Gardener on the schools green roof.

She claimed a tiny patch of ground in our larger garden, carefully selected just-the-right seedlings from the “plant store” and exuberantly hoed, planted and watered.  The result:  a riotous mix of pink, yellow, orange and red blooms. Zinnias, marigolds and a vibrant Gerber daisy.

This Father’s Day, Dad might love a few flowers. They might show up in a surprise garden created by your kids, or bud from a carefully tended seed in a pot. (See “16 Tips for Wildlife Gardening With Kids”) Or you could learn how to attract butterflies, birds, and other wildlife to your new garden by providing the right habitat.

Great Nature Books to Go With a Garden

Along with the flowers, he might appreciate one or two beautifully photographed nature books.

Author Cris Peterson and photographer David Lundquist create a bouquet for the ears and eyes in Seed, Soil, Sun (Boyds Mills, 2010, ages 4 and up).

Peterson does a fine job of explaining the plant growth cycle in child-friendly language while Lundquist captures the happy glow of youngsters watching earthworms, digging in the dirt and engaged in outdoor activity.

Animal Colors (EarlyLight Books, 2009, ages 4 and up) is a garden of bright critters from around the world.  Author/photographer Beth Fielding includes a succinct factual description for each featured animal, from the tiny red velvet mite to the black-and-white Orca whale.

Be sure to share two cool facts with Dad as the summer approaches.

1. From Seed, Soil, Sun: “More corn seeds are planted each year in the United States than any other kind of seed.”
2. And from Animal Colors: The snowy owl of the chilly Arctic “pants like a dog when hot to cool off.”

Happy Father’s Day!

Broad-headed skink on tree snag

At the beginning of November, my friend Debi of Go Explore Nature posted this update on her Facebook page:

“I’m thankful for nature’s many splendors all year long, but the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday encourages a little more thoughtfulness. This month, I’ll be sharing some of the many reasons I am thankful for the time I spend with my kids exploring nature. I hope you’ll join in!”

I’ve enjoyed reading her daily reflections and appreciate the reminder to count the blessings in my own world. Here are a few:

I’m thankful my yard and the woodland it borders support local wildlife such as this broad-headed skink (left) and other once new-to-me species. It’s nice getting acquainted with these animal visitors, for such gives me the opportunity to nurture my sense of wonder and that of my kids. Make your garden a home.

I’m thankful for the American goldfinches that captivate my neighbor. He said he wouldn’t have stopped to admire them had he not spent time bird-watching with my family. Take time to share nature’s wonders and your fondness for them. IT MAKES A DIFFERENCE.

I’m thankful for my son, who calls regular “bug club meetings”—backyard explorations focused on the wee critters of our habitat. We tune in to insects, as well as one another. Disconnect from electronic media, step outside and connect with your loved ones. (I find myself laughing more when I’m outdoors. How about you?)

I’m thankful for the teacher who said yes when this mom full of daydreams asked if she was up for gardening. A community-supported schoolyard habitat project grew out of that conversation. We created an outdoor classroom! If you can dream it, you can do it. Believe. BEGIN!

As Debi noted, nature hosts many splendors. Which ones bring YOU joy?