Natural Learning Initiative
Plans for the Future & Current Endeavors
As we look ahead, we are studying ways to implement water-efficient and sustainable landscaping, and we are investigating how to transition to a pesticide-free campus. We are reviewing our water use and ways to reduce it. We are trying to reduce waste by encouraging the use of containers rather than plastic packaging for lunches and other foods at school. We are continuously improving our environmental curriculum and keeping our teachers abreast of new opportunities for learning.
In early 2008 The Montessori School engaged in a contract with the Natural Learning Initiative (NLI), a research and design assistance program through NC State. The mission of the Natural Learning Initiative is to help communities create stimulating places for play, learning, and environmental education; environments that recognize human dependence on the natural world. They collaborate with school educators, environmental educators, planners, politicians, and any professionals working for and with children. NLI provides design models that are researched based for ecologically viable sites and settings. This partnership is in alliance with our Blueprint and the direction our community has chosen for our school. Due to the success of our Auction 2008, the design effort of this phase began and May 2008 and will continue to be phased in over a period of years. To learn more about NLI visit www.naturalearning.org.