LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — Lansing Public Schools is being honored with the 2025 Green Ribbon Award for its environmental efforts.
Lansing integrated sustainability to prepare students for green careers, according to a news release. The district received a citywide coalition grant to implement an urban forestry initiative that offers paid internships and forestry courses at Lansing Tech.
A middle school forestry camp is available for Lansing students at Ebersole Environmental Education Center in Allegan County, south of Grand Rapids. At the camp, students plant trees and gain experience improving air quality, reducing heat and improving stormwater management.Lansing schools defy statewide trend with improved test scores
“We brought in solar, we brought in LED lighting, we brought in efficiencies, but we’ve also brought in technology, as well as curriculum, to support our children learning about the green economy and learning about how to recycle,” Lansing Superintendent Ben Shuldiner told 6 News. “We actually have a federal magnet grant where we have environmental studies programs now at our K-8 schools.”
Lansing was the only district to receive the award, but West Maple Elementary in Oakland County was also awarded for outdoor education and programs focused on sustainability.
The school has helped students garden with parent volunteers and has hosted monthly “Green Team” meetings to address climate change, which feature guest speakers from DTE Energy and Selfridge Air National Guard Base.
“Green Ribbon Schools help take care of our environment and teach children the importance of doing so,” Michael Rice, the state superintendent, said. “West Maple Elementary School and the Lansing School District can serve as examples for other schools that want to apply classroom learning about the environment to the real world.”
Source: https://www.wlns.com/
