Illinois Department of Natural Resources issued the following announcement on Jan. 27.
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and the Illinois Conservation Foundation (ICF) today announced 27 Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Action Grants have been awarded from the fall 2019 application period. A total of $22,477.78 will be distributed.
"The Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Action Grant program provides children and educators with an opportunity to increase the use of native plants in Illinois landscapes while benefitting wildlife species," said IDNR Director Colleen Callahan. "By participating in these projects, students learn their efforts can make a positive difference in the world, and they gain experience in problem-based learning by planning, developing and maintaining the habitat."
The Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Action Grant program supports the development or enhancement of wildlife habitat on the school grounds or other public places. Funding for the program is provided through donations to the ICF. The Jadel Youth Fund and the Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Foundation are the major sponsors for the program. More than $294,000 in Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Action Grant funding has been distributed since the program's inception.
"We want school children to learn about nature through hands-on experiences," Callahan said. "It is our goal to have Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Action Grant program projects developed in every county of the state, and eventually at every school. So far, we have supported projects in 85 of Illinois' counties."
Applications will be accepted soon for the next round of the Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Action Grant Program, with an application deadline of November 30, 2020. See https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/education/Pages/GrantsSHAG.aspx for the application form and related information, call 217-524-4126 or email dnr.teachkids@illinois.gov.
A list of the latest Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Action Grants awarded is below.
Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Action Grants - January 2020
Adams County
Colonel George J. Iles Elementary School, Quincy. Grades: 2 and 5. Project: native prairie habitat to serve as an outdoor lab. Grant Award: $912.00
Champaign County
Prairieview-Ogden Community Unit School District #197, Ogden. Grades: 4-6. Project: prairie habitat. Grant Award: $467.00
Clay County
North Clay Elementary School, Louisville. Grades: 3, 9-12. Project: pollinator garden. Grant Award: $780.91
Clinton County
Bartelso Grade School, Bartelso. Grades: 4-8. Project: butterfly garden. Grant Award: $990.00
Cook County
Agassiz Elementary School, Chicago. Grades: kindergarten-8. Project: butterfly garden. Grant Award: $1,000.00
City Garden Waldorf School, Chicago. Grades: prekindergarten and kindergarten. Project: pollinator garden. Grant Award: $883.71
Elizabeth Meyer School, Skokie. Grades: prekindergarten and kindergarten. Project: pollinator garden. Grant Award: $697.50
Lindblom Math and Science Academy, Chicago. Grades: 9-12. Project: pollinator garden. Grant Award: $855.33
Norwood Park School, Chicago. Grade: 3. Project: pollinator garden. Grant Award: $888.43.
Prairie Elementary School, Orland Park. Grades: kindergarten-2. Project: prairie habitat and rain garden. Grant Award: $1,000.00
St. Viator Elementary School, Chicago. Grades: 1-5. Project: pollinator garden. Grant Award: $1,000.00
Du Page County
Little Blossom Montessori School, Aurora. Grade: prekindergarten. Project: pollinator garden. Grant Award: $995.88
Kane County
Elgin Math and Science Academy Charter School, Elgin. Grade: 4. Project: butterfly garden and pollinator garden. Grant Award: $1,000.00
Green Friends Montessori School, Elburn. Grades: preschool and kindergarten. Project: pollinator garden. Grant Award: $403.20
Kendall County
Newark Community Consolidated School District 66 - Millbrook Junior High, Millbrook. Grades: 5-8. Project: outdoor classroom. Grant Award: $1,000.00
Plano Middle School, Plano. Grades: 7-8. Project: wetland habitat. Grant Award: $1,000.00
La Salle County
Dimmick Grade School, La Salle. Grades: kindergarten-8. Project: pollinator garden. Grant Award: $592.48
Lake County
Washington Elementary School, Mundelein. Grades: kindergarten-2. Project: pollinator garden. Grant Award: $499.53
Macon County
Lutheran School Association, Decatur. Grades: 3-4, 9-12. Project: pollinator garden. Grant Award: $1,000.00
McLean County
Lexington Junior High School, Lexington. Grades: 7-8. Project: pollinator garden. Grant Award: $179.09
Mulberry School, Normal. Grades: preschool-3. Project: pollinator garden and outdoor classroom. Grant Award: $447.44
Ogle County
Forreston Junior Senior High School, Forreston. Grades: 6-12. Project: pollinator garden. Grant Award: $893.83
Putnam County
Putnam County Junior High School District #535, McNabb. Grades: 6-12. Project: pollinator garden. Grant Award: $1,000.00
Rock Island County
Sherrard Junior/Senior High School, Sherrard. Grades: 7-12. Project: prairie habitat. Grant Award: $1,000.00
Sangamon County
Lutheran High School, Springfield. Grades: 9-12. Project: pollinator garden. Grant Award: $1,000.00
St. Clair County
Carriel Junior High School, O'Fallon. Grade: 7. Project: pollinator garden. Grant Award: $1,000.00
Williamson County
Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School, Herrin. Grades: 6-7. Project: pollinator garden. Grant Award: $991.45
Original source can be found here.
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