Gardens & Outdoor Learning
LPS is full of gardens and outdoor learning spaces that come in all shapes and sizes! These spaces not only provide endless amounts of student engagement opportunities, but also create lasting connections between students, staff, community members, and the environment.
LPS Sustainability is committed to supporting school garden efforts. We host are quarterly Garden Gatherings to highlight successful school gardens and share resources on sustaining them. Furthermore, stay updated on all outdoor-learning news by following LPS Sustainability across all platforms and subscribing to our newsletter!

Guide
Garden Dashboard
Check out all the unique school gardens, outdoor classrooms, and sustainability features using our Garden Dashboard feature. This allows you to view all of the schools and their outdoor features on a map with pictures and other information.
FAQs
WebTMA is the Work Order system for LPS, and a TMA Alteration request is submitted so LPS Operations can investigate any changes occurring on LPS grounds. You must submit one prior to altering LPS grounds in any way, including but not limited to: starting a new garden, planting trees, or installing a fence. You do not need to submit one for gardening in existing beds or adding plants to an existing garden area. If you are unsure if you need to submit one, reach out to sustainability@lps.org. Contact your principal and executive secretary to submit a TMA Alteration request.
TMA Request Required
⇒ When adding seating or tables
› The request should state what kind of picnic table, bench, etc. is wanting to be purchased, who will be purchasing it, and where it will be placed
⇒ When building raised beds
› Acceptable materials include wood, Trex, and metal. If you are unsure if the material you want to use is okay, reach out to sustainability@lps.org.
⇒ When planting trees on school grounds
› Include where you want the tree to be located, any preferred species, and if you want LPS Grounds to plant the tree or someone else. A list of acceptable tree species for LPS sites can be found in the LPS Operations Design Guidelines.
⇒ When requesting soil, compost, and mulch
› Include the type of material (soil, mulch, compost), amount of material in yards (Calculator here), location to drop it by (use door numbers and other landmarks), and day and time material is needed by.
⇒ When spraying for weeds and pests
› Must be done by a Grounds licensed applicator crew member. Chemicals cannot be applied to gardens containing fruits or vegetables.
TMA Request NOT Required
⇒ When getting supplies and plants
› Schools must pay for all supplies they want in their garden space. Check out the funding document and slack for support!
⇒ When getting water access
› Work with the custodial staff to gain access to the water spout if locked. Some schools have set up drip irrigation systems through Community Crops and Kiwanis.
⇒ When acquiring a tower garden
› Tower gardens are compact hydroponic or aeroponic gardening systems that can grow vegetables indoors year-round. These are great for schools that aren’t ready to commit to a larger outdoor garden or don’t have the space to do so.
Find more information:
Garden Manuals
Past Events
First Quarter Garden Gathering: July 24, 2025
Third Quarter Garden Gathering: Feb. 26, 2025
Second Quarter Garden Gathering: Nov. 20, 2024
Green School Recognition Program Tips!
Gardens and Outdoor Learning related activities include:
Family Garden Night
Host an NRD Nature Night
*Elementary Only
Growing Gardens
Let's Talk Plants!
Partner: Nebraska Statewide Arboretum
Take it Outside
and MORE!
View these activities and more on the Green Schools Recognition Program Activity List!
Want more ideas? Check out the activities through EcoSchools U.S.