New bill would help fund green space on school grounds
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) via Flickr
Department of Education grants would transform asphalt schoolyards into outdoor living spaces, benefitting millions of students nationwide
Washington D.C. (April 7, 2026) – Last week, Senator Heinrich (D-NM), Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, and Representative Lee (D-PA) introduced the Revitalizing America’s Schoolyards Act, a bill aimed at transforming outdoor spaces on school grounds for nearly 50 million children across the country.
In response to the news, The Wilderness Society issued the following statement:
“So much of our learning takes place outside the classroom as well as within it. For students, access to outdoor spaces that are on school grounds, especially those that incorporate nature and hands-on learning, is essential to their mental and physical well-being,” said Paul Sanford, Director for Equitable Access Policy Advocacy at The Wilderness Society. “That’s why we’re proud to support the Revitalizing America’s Schoolyards Act and applaud Senator Heinrich and Representative Lee for introducing this important legislation, which promises to have positive impacts that extend far beyond the playground.”
The bill would establish a grant program to transform schoolyards into green, outdoor learning environments. It would fund renovations, support schools’ water conservation efforts and promote creation of wildlife habitats on school grounds.
The Wilderness Society is proud to endorse the legislation, along with 184 other organizations.
To connect with policy experts at The Wilderness Society, contact gaby_diaz@tws.org
