DOEE seeks applications from eligible entities to design and implement a project, with three types of activities. There should be nine (9) RSS sites: 1. Reengage six (6) past RSS project sites (see list in Appendix 7). Re-engage means reviving the school team’s relationship and interest to use the schoolyard greening elements for instruction and school events. This involves: a. Conducting a site visit and discussions with current teachers and administration at some number of schools (fewer than all 66 schools); b. Explain to each such school the challenges with using the GI space; c. Determine if it would be a cost-effective use of time and money to involve the school’s neighborhood; d. Determine the next steps. This may involve: i. retraining teachers and staff on how to use and maintain the space, ii. buying equipment that will make using and maintaining the space more productive, or iii. organizing light maintenance days. Light maintenance on a RSS site means removing weeds, replacing dead plants, applying mulch, and occasionally pruning to maintain the desired shape and size of plants. 2. Educate and train teachers and staff for three (3) new RSS project sites. Give teachers and staff guidance and resources on how to utilize the new outdoor GI classrooms to educate the students about stormwater runoff and local watersheds. a. The grantee (i.e., not an applicant, but an entity already selected as grantee) should develop and execute a training program. b. DOEE will identify the sites in the Fall of 2025, with input from the grantee. DOEE will consider willingness of the school, seriousness of the GI maintenance deficit, and likelihood of success...
