Launched in 2005, Nature Forward’s GreenKids program proudly delivers Pre-K through 12th grade environmental education to schools across the Washington, DC region.​

GreenKids is a grant-funded educational outreach program of Nature Forward supported by Howard Hughes Medical Institute. It provides free resources, lessons, and field experiences to participating public schools to foster environmental literacy while meeting established curriculum goals. GreenKids is a key collaborator on systemic curriculum initiatives for science and is dedicated to inclusive outdoor education for all.​

GreenKids serves more than 10,000 students each year, operating in formal partnerships with Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) and Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) in Maryland, Washington, DC Public Schools (DCPS), and Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) in Virginia. In addition to serving youth, GreenKids delivers professional development opportunities to more than 150 educators each year.​

From watershed investigations to composting to recycling initiatives and energy conservation, we offer a wide variety of engaging, curriculum-aligned lessons during the school day, along with after-school activities to support Green Team initiatives. We also support students in data collection during field investigations to support Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences (MWEE).​

GreenKids is generously supported by

Supporting Maryland Green Schools

The Maryland Green Schools award is a statewide sustainable schools program administered by the Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education (MAEOE). Maryland Green Schools encourages schools to promote sustainability and environmental stewardship within their school community and to showcase their achievements through a two-year application process.

As a Sustainable Bronze-level Green Center in the state of Maryland, Nature Forward has a proven history of advancing environmental education and sustainability within the community. Through GreenKids, we provide guidance and resources to schools working to become Maryland Green Schools. 

We have worked with more than 70 schools to achieve this recognition, and we are always looking to support new schools! For schools working toward that goal! Our lessons and resources are specially designed to meet the requirements of the Maryland Green Schools application process.

Professional Development for Teachers

GreenKids offers professional development training to teachers. These trainings will help you integrate more environmental education into your teaching. Training opportunities are available throughout the year in various formats. Some take place virtually at scheduled times and bring together teachers from many different schools and districts. These online sessions are great for sharing ideas, collaborating around common challenges, and building community. Other trainings are tailored specifically for school, and we will work with you to find a date that accommodates as many of your teachers as possible.

• Learning in the Outdoors (year-round – available at your school)​
• Simple Strategies for the Green Classroom (Winter – virtual) ​
• Streamside Science (MCPS Summer – check PDO) ​
• Stream Study MWEE Teacher Learning Community Meetings (MCPS seasonal) ​
• Salad Science (Spring)