Asphalt to Ecosystems: Design Ideas for Schoolyard Transformation

The most comprehensive guide to designing and building creative, ecological schoolyards ever published! asphalt2ecosystems.orgnewvillagepress.net "Asphalt to Ecosystems... convincingly demonstrates how ecologically rich environments can serve the triumvirate of children's play, learning, and education--and the good health of both children and planet. This inspiring book brings together and builds on the work of long time pioneers who share author Sharon Danks' vision. Those pursuing the same mission are offered an exceptionally valuable tool and a new benchmark of design for educating a new eco-literate generation."--Robin Moore, MCP, Director, The Natural Learning Initiative, North Carolina State University. Co-author, Natural Learning: The Life History of an Environmental Schoolyard "This is a beautiful book, loaded with compassion for children and deep understanding of the learning process. It is not just a primer on ecological landscaping in the curriculum, but a blueprint for a greener and smarter curriculum."--David W. Orr, Paul Sears Distinguished Professor of Environmental Studies and Politics, Oberlin College, author, Ecological Literacy and Hope Is an Imperative "I have often seen children's sense of wonder awaken as they find life teeming in a handful of soil or nurture a seed into a healthy plant to be harvested and enjoyed in a delicious meal with their classmates. Asphalt to Ecosystems is a wonderful introduction to the design ideas that can transform a traditional schoolyard into a place where such vital learning can occur, under the wise and skillful guidance of the growing movement of educators dedicated to education for sustainable living."--Zenobia Barlow, Cofounder and Executive Director, The Center for Ecoliteracy "A groundbreaking and informative book with examples from around the world that will inspire others to create green engaging environments for their children. To educate the next generation of earth stewards we need to immerse them in setting where an ecological viewpoint becomes second nature. Sharon Danks shows us the way."--Clare Cooper Marcus, Professor Emerita, Departments of Architecture and Landscape Architecture, University of California, Berkeley. Co-author, Healing Gardens "Danks' book exemplifies planning's comprehensive approach to design and community engagement. She demonstrates that sustainability goes well beyond green technologies--encompassing the patterns of place and envisioning schools and schoolyards as centers of community."--Jeffrey L. Soule, FAICP, Director of Outreach and International Programs, American Planning Association