According to the Wisconsin DNR, the Green and Healthy Schools program "supports and encourages schools to create safe learning environments and prepare students to understand, analyze and address the major environmental and sustainability challenges now and in the future through providing resources, recognition and certification. Administered through a partnership between the Department of Natural Resources, the Department of Public Instruction and the Wisconsin Center for Environmental Education, this program provides information, resources and announcements for all school staff, community members and others interested in green and healthy initiatives and activities for Wisconsin schools."
Green & Healthy Schools Wisconsin recognizes achievement in nine focus areas:
environmental and sustainability education;
environmental health (indoor air quality, chemical management, integrated pest management);
Washburn School District Farm to School Program focuses on providing garden and nutrition education to PreK-8th grade students using project based learning in our garden. Teachers use the garden to enhance Math, Science, Social Studies, Language and Arts education. The overall vision of the Washburn Elementary and Middle School garden project is to provide greater access to and educate the public about locally grown food. The food produced is utilized in the school cafeteria and in the Family and Consumer Sciences cooking classes.