Re:wild Your Campus - Green Grounds Certification

Founded by student environmental advocates, Re:wild Your Campus has emerged as a leading force in campus sustainability, helping educational institutions eliminate pesticide use while creating healthier environments for students and wildlife. Their innovative approach combines environmental stewardship with practical revenue generation, demonstrating how mission-aligned income streams can support grassroots advocacy work.

Overview

With an investment of $35,000, Re:wild Your Campus developed a comprehensive Green Grounds certification program that recognizes colleges and universities implementing sustainable, pesticide-free land management practices. By creating a tiered certification structure alongside complementary consulting services, Re:wild has built a foundation for financial independence while advancing their environmental mission.

The program provides a clear pathway for institutions to transition away from harmful chemicals while generating sustainable revenue to expand Re:wild's impact across educational institutions nationwide.

Key Strategies & Tactics

• Tiered Certification Program: Offering Bronze to Platinum certification levels based on the percentage of campus grounds managed without pesticides, with pricing scaled to institution size

• Greening Pilot Program: Providing hands-on support for campuses transitioning to organic land management through a comprehensive implementation package

• Membership Services: Delivering specialized consulting and resources to help institutions achieve and maintain certification

• Strategic Partnerships: Collaborating with sustainability networks and campus organizations to expand program reach and adoption

Lessons Learned

• Align Revenue with Mission: Creating income streams that directly advance environmental goals increases both impact and financial sustainability
• Leverage Existing Frameworks: Building on data already collected for AASHE STARS ratings makes certification accessible for sustainability teams
• Build Personal Relationships: Direct connections with grounds teams and sustainability directors yield the highest program adoption rates
• Target Multiple Stakeholders: Engaging students, staff, and administrators creates campus-wide support for sustainable practices
• Create Tiered Entry Points: Offering various engagement levels allows institutions to participate regardless of their current capacity

By The Numbers

Impact

Through their Green Grounds Certification program, Re:wild Your Campus has created a nationwide movement toward pesticide-free campus management while establishing a sustainable revenue model that supports their advocacy work. Their approach has resonated particularly strongly with sustainability-focused institutions, with UC Berkeley transitioning 95% of its campus to organic management and Prescott College achieving Platinum certification.

The program's impact extends beyond environmental benefits, creating opportunities for student engagement in land management practices and providing professional development for grounds teams. By working directly with campus stakeholders, Re:wild Your Campus has built a community of practice around organic land care that continues to grow through knowledge sharing and peer support.

As Re:wild expands their certification program to reach 100 schools by 2026, they're establishing an equity focus through a dedicated fund supporting HBCUs, tribal colleges, and Hispanic-Serving Institutions. This approach ensures that the benefits of organic land management reach diverse educational communities, amplifying their environmental impact while creating a more inclusive sustainability movement.