Green Schools Program: 196 Michigan Schools Recognized

Environmental stewardship and education were front and center at nearly 200 Michigan schools recently recognized at Michigan Green Schools.

It marks the first year that the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) was responsible for operating the MI Green Schools program. Previously, it was run by a non-profit organization.

The program provides stewardship-themed activities and information to support environmental education in grades pre-K through 12.

“EGLE is pleased that the first year of the Michigan Green Schools program transition saw a significant number of schools participate that were awarded the highest achievement of Evergreen,” said Chrissie Pearce, of EGLE’s Environmental Support Division.

During the 2021-2022 school year, 196 schools were designated as Michigan Green Schools, as follows:

Green: 56

Emerald: 45

Evergreen: 95

Under the program, schools may qualify for various levels of stewardship by earning points for activities:

Green School — 10 total activities with at least two activities from each of the four categories
Emerald School — 15 total activities at least two activities from each of the four categories
Evergreen School — 20 total activities at least two activities from each of the four categories

The four categories of activities for official Green School qualification are:

Reduce/Reuse/Recycle
Energy
Environmental Protection
Miscellaneous

A school is eligible to receive a Green School, Emerald School, or Evergreen School Environmental Stewardship Designation if the school or students perform the required number of activities, with a minimum of two activities from each of the four categories.

Educators who would like to participate in the program during the 2022-23 school year can fill out the application on the MI Green Schools webpage.

Questions about the program can be directed to Chrissie Pearce at PearceC@Michigan.gov.

Chrissie Pearce, Environmental Support Division