Youth Habitat Enhancement Projects Receive Funding
SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and the Illinois Conservation Foundation (ICF) today announced that 23 Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Action Grants have been awarded from the fall 2018 application period. A total of $16,520.95 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 Wayne Rosenthal. “By participating in these projects, students learn that their efforts can make a 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 $270,000 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,” Rosenthal added. “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 84 of Illinois’ counties.”
Applications will be accepted soon for the November 30, 2019 Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Action Grant application deadline. See https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/education/Pages/GrantsSHAG.aspx for the application form and related information or call 217-524-4126 or email dnr.teachkids@illinois.gov.
See a list of the Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Action Grants awarded below.
Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Action Grants – January 2019
Champaign County
Bottenfield Elementary School, Champaign. Grades: kindergarten, 1, 2. Project: pollinator garden. Grant Award: $618.85.
Edison Middle School, Champaign. Grades: 6-8. Project: pollinator garden. Grant Award: $618.85.
Kenwood Elementary School, Champaign. Grade: 5. Project: pollinator garden. Grant Award: $618.85.
Stratton Academy of the Arts, Champaign. Grades: 3-5. Project: pollinator garden. Grant Award: $618.85.
Coles County
Douglas-Hart Nature Center, Mattoon. Grade: 7. Project: prairie habitat. Grant Award: $1,000.00.
Cook County
Luther Burbank School, Chicago. Grades: 3-4. Project: pollinator garden. Grant Award: $831.06.
Morgan Park Academy, Chicago. Grades: prekindergarten-12. Project: pollinator garden. Grant Award: $319.48.
De Kalb County
Northern Illinois University Child Development and Family Center, De Kalb. Grade: pre-kindergarten. Project: pollinator garden. Grant Award: $417.79.
Du Page County
Madison Elementary School, Wheaton. Grade: 3. Project: pollinator garden. Grant Award: $996.00.
Kane County
Batavia High School, Batavia. Grades: 9-12. Project: pond and prairie habitats. Grant Award: $914.90.
West Aurora High School and Jefferson Middle School, Aurora. Grades: 7, 8, 12. Project: prairie habitat. Grant Award: $989.91.
Macon County
Mary W. French STEM Academy, Decatur. Grades: kindergarten-6. Project: pollinator garden. Grant Award: $619.98.
Peoria County
Pleasant Hill School, Peoria. Grades: kindergarten through 3. Project: pollinator garden. Grant Award: $443.20.
Piatt County
Monticello Middle School, Monticello. Grades: 6-8. Project: prairie habitat. Grant Award: $599.00.
Rock Island County
Sherrard Junior/Senior High School, Sherrard. Grades: 7-12. Project: prairie and woodland habitats. Grant Award: $967.00.
Sangamon County
Girl Scouts of Central Illinois, Springfield. Grade: 6. Project: butterfly garden. Grant Award: $959.07.
Rochester Cub Scouts Pack 40, Rochester. Grades: kindergarten-5. Project: pollinator garden. Grant Award: $648.00.
Sacred Heart Griffin High School, Springfield. Grade: 12. Project: butterfly garden, pollinator garden, outdoor classroom. Grant Award: $828.17.
St. Clair County
Carriel Junior High School, O’Fallon. Grade: 7. Project: pollinator garden. Grant Award: $1,000.00.
Whiteside County
Northside Elementary School, Morrison. Grades: prekindergarten-kindergarten. Project: pollinator garden. Grant Award: $363.70.
Winnebago County
Harlem High School, Machesney Park. Grades: 9-12. Project: pollinator garden. Grant Award: $854.29.
Nature at the Confluence, South Beloit. Grades: kindergarten-8. Project: butterfly garden, prairie habitat, rain garden, pollinator garden. Grant Award: $994.00.
Woodford County
Woodford County Special Education Association Black Partridge Public Day School, Germantown Hills. Grades: 7-9. Project: pollinator garden. Grant Award: $300.00.
