History

Since its founding in 2011, EarthGen has evolved to meet the changing needs of young people, teachers, and school communities across Washington state.

After several years shaping a collective vision, a diverse group of environmental educators launched a green school certification program for Washington. Representing public agencies, including Clark County, Seattle Public Utilities, Puget Sound Clean Air Agency, Thurston County, and Spokane County, this Steering Committee received grant funding from the Washington State Department of Ecology to seed the program, which they called Washington Green Schools. After staffing the program as consultants, Meredith Lohr and Kim Armstrong became Co-Executive Directors in 2010, and established Washington Green Schools as a nonprofit in 2011.

Since then, the organization has helped thousands of educators, students, and school communities learn and take action for a healthy environment. In addition to its original green school certification program, EarthGen has developed several new programs to meet the needs of diverse students, teachers and schools across Washington.

4 high school students stand excitedly behind a Washington Green Schools flag at a whole school assembly as they are recognized for their certification efforts.

In January 2021, Washington Green Schools changed its name to EarthGen to better convey the organization’s mission and goals. Today a talented team works together to fulfill the mission.

Meet the EarthGen Team


A large sculpture of plastic bottles in the middle of a gym
6 students stand in a school garden by a large crop of kale
Green Team students posing for the camera