CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – More than $99,600 in funding has been awarded to 113 schools across Illinois to support field trips for over 7,000 students to explore the state’s natural resources. The grants, provided through the Illinois Biodiversity Field Trip Grant Program, will allow students to visit state parks, museums, nature centers, and other conservation areas to engage in hands-on learning about nature and conservation.
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) announced the awards on Friday, noting that the funding is made possible by private donations from the Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Foundation and the D.F. and M.T. Grohne Family Foundation. The Illinois Conservation Foundation (ICF) coordinates the donations and funding for the program.
“This program gives students the chance to connect classroom learning with real-world experiences in Illinois’ natural areas,” said IDNR Director Natalie Phelps Finnie. “We are excited to support these valuable educational opportunities and are grateful for the continued support from our donors.”
Since the program’s inception in 2001, over $1.6 million has been awarded, benefiting more than 140,000 students from pre-kindergarten through high school. These field trips not only enrich the students’ understanding of their environment but also help foster future conservation leaders.
For more details on the Illinois Biodiversity Field Trip Grant Program, or to donate, visit the Illinois Conservation Foundation’s website.