Prairie State Wire

More than 7,000 students in Illinois will have the opportunity to explore state parks, natural areas, and museums this year due to funding from the Illinois Biodiversity Field Trip Grant Program. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) announced that over $99,600 has been awarded for 113 field trip grants benefiting students across 32 counties.

The program is supported by private donations from the Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Foundation of Skokie and the D.F. and M.T. Grohne Family Foundation of Wilmington, with coordination by the Illinois Conservation Foundation (ICF). "This program allows students to visit natural, outdoor locations throughout Illinois to see firsthand what they've been learning about in the classroom," stated IDNR Director Natalie Phelps Finnie. She emphasized the importance of giving future conservation leaders opportunities to experience natural resources directly.

Since its start in 2001, more than $1.6 million has been distributed through this grant program, enabling over 140,000 students from pre-kindergarten through high school to participate in educational field trips.

Teachers can apply for these competitive grants to facilitate student learning related to their curriculum at various natural sites across Illinois. The application deadline is January 31 each year, with forms available online. Funding provided by ICF covers expenses like transportation and substitute teachers.

For additional information on the grant program or how to contribute donations, contact IDNR's division of education or visit their website.