Students and staff members of RHS are lucky to have the outdoor courtyard. Maintained by the Green Club, it has to be one of the most unique places to visit during the school day. As of March 13th, 2025, The National Wildlife Federation has recognized our beloved courtyard as an officially certified schoolyard habitat. Ms. Moloughney, advisor of the Green Club has stated “As a Green Club, we are excited to cultivate a courtyard that provides outdoor learning opportunities for teachers and students while also supporting various types of wildlife.”
Changes to the Courtyard
Founded in 1936, The National Wildlife Federation’s mission is to implement plans and stategies that are better for the environment. Schoolyard habitats are meant to be a Green space where anyone can access easily. Schools around the country have been partcipating in the program. After all, there is no better place to be than the outdoors!
What’s exciting is that the courtyard is now home to a wide range of native plants. A birdbath was also put with a solar-powered fountain for birds to enjoy. The Photography 2 class was able to do a close up project of the courtyard featuring all the new plants. A video showing all the photos was aired on RTV. Visit the courtyard before the end of the school year and see all the wonderful changes made to it.
According to Liz Soper, Senior Director of K-12 Programs of the Nartional Wildlife Federation “We are excited to have another school join our growing list of more than 11,000 certified Schoolyard Habitats. Students can now personally experience nature, protect wildlife, and learn through hands-on experiences in an outdoor environment.” Now that Spring has official arrived, Students can enjoy lunch under wonderful sun in the courtyard. This article is dedicated to all the Green Club members and other school staff who continue to keep the courtyard clean!
Sources:
National Wildlife Federation Certifies New Schoolyard Habitat in Rutherford, NJ