More Than 100 Maryland Schools Named 2017 Green Schools

Growing Percentage of State Schools are Certified Green

BALTIMORE – Fifty-eight new schools and 55 returning schools have been awarded Maryland Green School status by the Maryland Association of Environmental and Outdoor Education (MAEOE).

In addition, eight Maryland schools have achieved Sustainable School status. Sustainable Schools have successfully participated in the program for 14 years.

Maryland Green Schools have demonstrated a continuous effort to integrate sustainable environmental practices, environmental education curriculum, professional development and community engagement into the culture of the school. This certification signifies that these schools have made a commitment to developing stewards of the earth and reducing environmental impact.

“We congratulate the 2017 Maryland Green Schools for all their great work to strengthen environmental education and green practices for their buildings and grounds,” said Dr. Karen Salmon, State Superintendent of Schools. “Our State has been at the leading edge in its commitment to environmental learning and practices that will sustain our world for future generations.”

MAEOE also awards 2017 Maryland Green Center status to 4 organizations, including one new Green Center. There are 43 Maryland Green Centers providing local support to schools participating in the Maryland Green Schools program. Green Centers model sustainable environmental practices, provide teaching resources and form partnerships that positively impact students, teachers and the community.

The Maryland Green Schools Program is a nationally recognized program begun in 1999. Today there are more than 582 Green Schools certified in Maryland, over a quarter of all Maryland schools.

MAEOE will celebrate with Green Schools, Green Centers and schools that are interested in knowing more about the program at the Maryland Green Schools Youth Summit on May 18, 2017, at Sandy Point State Park in Annapolis. Dr. Carol Williamson, Deputy State Superintendent, will join Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Mark Belton and Maryland Department of the Environment Secretary Ben Grumbles at the Summit.

A complete list of new Maryland Green Schools can be found at http://maeoe.org/congratulations-to-the-2016-2017-maeoe-maryland-green-schools/.