Students learn better and build stronger connections to both the outside world and each other when they have access to natural play and education environments, studies say.

In this spirit, Eagle View elementary, located in View Royal but a part of the Greater Victoria School District, is working towards B次元官网网址渘aturescapingB次元官网网址� the schoolB次元官网网址檚 playground to offer students greater connection to the natural world.

The school has a wooded area which has been open to students for over a year now. The area is a hit with students.

B次元官网网址淭hey love it,B次元官网网址� said parent advisory committee, green committee chair Gillian Petrini. B次元官网网址淭he creativity and imaginative play is just amazing, so we just want to enhance that area.B次元官网网址�

Part of the naturescaping project is to preserve the wooded area and improve it with wood chip trails, snake rail fencing and native species of plants.

The project is expected to further enhance student outdoor learning experiences, along with a lot of fun.

B次元官网网址淭heir imaginations just run wild,B次元官网网址� Petrini said. B次元官网网址淚t just opens them up for endless possibilities and creativity.B次元官网网址�

The first work party will start in on the project on Wednesday, May 22. The event is not open to the public, but will involved staff, students and parents from the school.

B次元官网网址淭he students are all a part of this, so thereB次元官网网址檚 a big stewardship piece to this as well,B次元官网网址� Petrini said. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 important B次元官网网址� to connect children with the outdoors, and to preserve and protect this amazing natural play-space for the future.B次元官网网址�

While the work party is closed to the public, project organizers are always interested in funding partnerships or donations.

For more information contact Petrini at gpetrini@shaw.ca.