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!

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.

Garden Dashboard

Click to view LPS schools and their outdoor features

Click Here

FAQs

TMA Requests Information and Guide

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.

Want to start a garden?

Want to connect?

Want help from a Master Gardener?

Need funding?

Find more information:

Garden Manuals

Thriving LPS Gardens and Outdoor Spaces

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

15 points

A Family Garden Night is a great way to bring together your school community for an evening outdoors! Our How To: Organizing a Family Garden Night resource covers planning considerations, engaging community partners, and selecting activities suited for your unique group. No garden? No problem! An event like this can be adapted to any outdoor learning environment, and may even spark support for a new garden project at your school.

How to: Organizing a Family Garden Night

Host an NRD Nature Night

20 points

*Elementary Only

These free evening events are designed for students and their families to experience and connect with nature. All students in the school and their families are welcome to attend and participate in activities like potting plants, making paper, creating recycled art, and interacting with live animals. Nature nights are a great way for a school to engage their families in learning together while increasing their knowledge of Nebraska’s natural resources. The number of nature nights we can organize each year is limited. Contact the NRD for more information.

Contact NRD

Growing Gardens

20 points (5 points per outdoor activity, 30 points max)

Establish or maintain an active school garden! Our Lincoln Public Schools Garden Manuals are available for anyone interested in starting up a school garden or utilizing an existing outdoor space better.

Let's Talk Plants!

10 points each

Partner: Nebraska Statewide Arboretum

Invite a speaker on behalf of the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum to discuss all things plants, gardening, trees, and sustainable communities related!

Request a Speaker & Topics

Take it Outside

5 points (50 points max)

Take one of your classroom lessons and adapt it to be an outdoor lesson. For example, conduct your math lesson outside counting with flowers, or a science lesson identifying parts of the plant. This can be done with any age group or subject area, but here is a great resource for Using Nature to Meet Educational Standards at the elementary level.

Using Nature to Meet Educational Standards