Younger kids can not only learn about nutrition and the food chain, but they can learn how to keep the bugs away by using natural, environmentally friendly methods like putting a toad in the garden to consume all the earwigs. Children love to explore and create their own adventures. A naturalized school yard can provide a safe, rich environment to nurture imagination and creative play. Through involving students in the planning, design, fund raising and communications, they have the opportunity to apply skills in real-life situations. As well, students who are involved in many stages of the project develop a sense of ownership for the project and pride and confidence in themselves.
Some experts claim that our attitudes are shaped by our surroundings.
Behavioral and environmental psychologist have documented that environmental improvements lead to positive changes in behaviour patterns. They may also require less water and maintenance and subsequently reduce long-term upkeep costs. In some respects the most powerful argument in favour of a natural school ground is not the end product but the community-driven process of creating the naturalized grounds. The community building aspects of a school naturalization project are tremendously powerful and far-reaching because they have the potential to dramatically improve community pride and empowerment through partnership and participation. The Evergreen Foundation says that the list of schools embracing school grounds' greening and naturalization concepts has grown exponentially in Canada over the past four years.