New Milford High School Goes Green and Joins National Wildlife Federation's Eco-Schools USA

Reading, Writing, Arithmetic, and . . . Red Wigglers? Students at New Milford High School are rounding out their education by adding worms to the equation. Red wiggler worms have long been favorites for composting. That is good news to the Environmental Club members who use the worms to compost food waste from the culinary arts class. Composting is just one of the recycling initiatives taken on by students.

New Milford High is part of a growing network of schools across the state and the country who are committed to sustainability and the importance of environmental and outdoor learning. The school recently became the 15th school in Bergen County and 135th in the state to join National Wildlife Federation’s (NWF) Eco-Schools USA. This internationally acclaimed program recognizes and supports schools integrating sustainability into the curriculum and on school grounds.

The program lays out 10 environmental pathways that schools can select from, including energy conservation, increasing biodiversity and promoting sustainable foods. New Milford’s work in recycling and composting will earn them points along the waste and consumption pathway. Participating schools monitor their efforts and earn points towards awards that recognize their progress towards sustainability. The Eco-Schools USA website offers teachers free tools and support to progress along those pathways, providing a framework to engage students in tangible learning experiences. New Jersey is particularly fortunate to have an on the ground staff member through NWF state affiliate New Jersey Audubon to work directly with schools, providing free professional development and guidance for teachers.

Jennifer Dowd, Eco-Schools coordinator, New Jersey Audubon says “The benefits of the Eco-Schools USA program extend far beyond a smaller eco-footprint for the school. Students who are engaged in hands on environmental learning gain valuable STEM skills and find new reasons to become excited about learning.”

Teacher and Environmental Club coordinator Lynne Torpie agrees, “The students are enthusiastic about becoming a part of Eco-Schools. I am very proud of their dedication and fortitude. The kids exhibit great comradery and encourage each other more when they are working hard.”

In addition to running the school recycling and composting program, students help maintain the town tree farm, participate in New Milford’s Clean Community Day and NJ Beach Sweep and clean up around the school. They are currently building an Eco-Action team and preparing to perform environmental audits on the school.

There are 15 Eco-Schools in Bergen County, including Bergen County Technical High School, D.A. Quarles Early Childhood Center, Fair Lawn High School, Garfield High School, Harrington Park School, Haworth Public School, Lyncrest School, Memorial Middle School, New Milford High School, Roosevelt, Thomas Jefferson Middle School in Teaneck and Thomas Jefferson Middle School in Fair Lawn, Warren Point, Westmoreland and Woodcliff Middle School.

Eco-Schools is an international program in 60 countries. The program is hosted by the National Wildlife Federation in the United States, and coordinated by New Jersey Audubon in New Jersey. Eco-Schools USA in New Jersey supports and directly aligns with Sustainable Jersey for Schools point-based system. The program is supported by PSE&G, the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, the Horizon Foundation, and Spencer Savings Bank.

About National Wildlife Federation:

National Wildlife Federation is America’s largest conservation organization inspiring people to protect wildlife for our children’s future. NWF focuses its education and policy work on connecting children to nature for a nation of happier, healthier kids. NWF’s state affiliate is NJ Audubon. For more information: www.nwf.org.

About NJ Audubon:

The New Jersey Audubon Society is a privately supported, not-for profit, statewide membership organization that fosters environmental awareness and a conservation ethic among New Jersey’s citizens; protects New Jersey’s birds, mammals, other animals, and plants, especially endangered and threatened species; and promotes preservation of New Jersey’s valuable natural habitats. For more information: www.njaudubon.org.