Schoolyard Habitat Grant Program
“In the end, we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand; and we will understand only what we are taught.”
– Baba Dioum
ASCM has been supporting wildlife through schoolyard habitat grants since 2001. Our first grant, written by three fifth grade students, was used to create a pollinator garden at Dasher Green Elementary School. Since then, we have supported wildlife habitat plantings, pollinator and rain gardens, and bluebird nest box trails at schools, nature centers, and libraries throughout central Maryland.
What is the Schoolyard Grant Program?
Each year, ASCM awards one to three grants of $500 each to public and private schools and other educational organizations to help wildlife directly and enhance learning about nature and our interdependence with the natural environment. We are especially interested in supporting projects that use their improved outdoor space to teach about how climate change affects wildlife and we can all work toward solutions.
How can I Apply?
Applications are accepted annually in the fall and are due on December 15. Awards are announced by January 15 each year.
We are happy to consult with teachers and others interested in developing a habitat plan prior to writing an application. Please contact us with any questions.
Previous grant recipients:
2001 Dasher Green Elementary School, Columbia
2004 Trinity School, Ellicott City
Lime Kiln Middle School, Fulton
2005 Hammond Elementary School, Fulton
Mount Airy Middle School, Mount Airy
St. John’s Parish Day School, Ellicott City
2006 Parr’s Ridge Elementary School, Mount Airy
Reservoir High School, Fulton
Long Reach High School, Columbia
2007 Howard County Conservancy, Woodstock
Cradlerock School, Columbia
St. John’s Elementary School, Ellicott City
2008 Cradlerock School, Columbia
Deep Run Elementary School, Clarksville
2009 Pointers Run Elementary School, Clarksville
Ilchester Elementary School, Ellicott City
Century High School, Sykesville
Walkersville High School, Walkersville
2010 Ilchester Elementary School, Ellicott City
West Friendship Elementary School, West Friendship
2011 Robinson Nature Center, Columbia
2012 Northfield Elementary School, Ellicott City
2013 Deer Crossing Elementary School, New Market
Oakland Mills High School, Columbia
2014 Oakland Mills High School, Columbia
2015 Folly Quarter Middle School, Ellicott City
Howard County Conservancy, Woodstock
St. John’s Lane Elementary School, Ellicott City
2016 Piney Ridge Elementary, Sykesville
2017 East Branch Howard County Library, Columbia
2018 Homewood School, Ellicott City
Lake Elkhorn Middle School, Columbia
2019 Homewood School, Ellicott City
2020 Ducketts Lane Elementary School, Elkridge
Freetown Farm, Columbia
2021 Oakland Mills Online Outdoor Classroom, Columbia
Howard County Community College Pollinator Path, Columbia
2022 Mount View Middle School, Marriottsville
2025 North Carroll Community School
Francis Scott Key High School