Grants and Fundraising

A variety of grant opportunities specifically targeting traditional playgrounds are available to help fund your project, but their number is limited. Fortunately, the unique qualities of natural playgrounds and nature learning and discovery areas broaden the range of grant opportunities. For example, nature play areas that improve habitat may be eligible for cross-over funding from organizations funding environmental efforts. Construction of your nature play, discovery or learning environment could also make an attractive project for a high school class. Several granting agencies support student groups involved in community projects and habitat restoration. Funding opportunities can be strengthened through several certification programs, such as 'Green School' environments, certification by the National Arbor Day Foundation as a 'Nature Explorer Classroom', or habitat certification through the National Wildlife Federation. LandCurrent can not only help you identify the best fit for your project, but also shape the design to build a strong case for specific certifications and potential funding opportunities.

NEWS SPRING 2011: The state of Oregon is currently EAGER to provide grants and fund natural play areas for local Oregon governments, CONTACT LANDCURRENT FOR MORE INFORMATION !!!

Print Natural Playgrounds Grants PDF

Nature Play Workshops, Classes and Presentations

LandCurrent's Principal Landscape Architect, Anita Van Asperdt, is both a designer and educator. Below is her schedule of classes, workshops and presentations. Contact info@landcurrent.com to inquire about a nature play workshop, lecture or presentation for your organization: info@landcurrent.com or 541-434-2458 or 503-335-6167

04/26/2011, The role of Landscape Architects in designing Natural Play Environments, University of Oregon, Dept. of Landscape Architecture.

Winter Term 2011, Natural Playgrounds for the National Wildlife Refuge system, Undergraduate design Studio, Landscape Architecture Department, University of Oregon. For the results of the studio click here (warning: large pdf file!)

09/28/10 Nature Based Play Areas co-presentor, Breakout Session during the Oregon Recreation & Park Association, 2010 Annual Conference, Salem Oregon, for more information click here

Fall Term 2010, School Yard Transformations: Nature Play, Discovery and Learning Environments for Public Schools, Graduate Studio, Landscape Architecture Department, University of Oregon

06/22/2010, Breakout session speaker at the NATURE PLAY SUMMIT, Vancouver, WA "Natural Playgrounds: Designed or not Designed", for more information click here

03/31/2010, "Inviting Every Child back into the Woods" Presentation for the Oregon Parks & Recreation Department Natural Play Area Workshop, Silver Falls, Oregon

01/17/2010, "Benefits of Natural Play, DIY ideas and Current Trends" Presentation at the Ivy School Montessori, Portland, Oregon