Grants available to develop 'Wild School Sites'

Project WILD-certified educators may apply to create outdoor classrooms on their school grounds

COLUMBUS, OH– Ohio teachers who have successfully used Project WILD in their classrooms can now provide students with additional hands-on learning about wildlife and habitat through grants from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife.

Grants, totaling $500 each, will be awarded on a competitive basis to 40 schools currently participating in Project WILD, a supplemental environmental education curriculum for grades K-12.

Project WILD uses wildlife and wildlife management techniques to teach traditional school subjects, such as math, science and language arts. Now in its eighth year, the grant program provides teachers with funding to purchase the materials, equipment and activities needed to develop “WILD School Sites" on their campuses.

“A WILD School Site project allows teachers to take lesson plans outdoors, bringing environmental education concepts to life in a real way for students,” said Jen Dennison, wildlife education coordinator for the Division of Wildlife. “An added benefit is the improvement of schoolyard habitat for wildlife and people, which enhances outdoor learning experiences.”

The grants are awarded to applicants that best meet the WILD School Site criteria. Criteria includes feasibility of the project, benefit to students in understanding the needs of wildlife in Ohio, and participation of students, teachers, staff and the local community in the development and upkeep of the site.

Funding for the WILD School Site grant program comes from state income tax check-off donations to the Wildlife Diversity Fund and fees generated from the sale of cardinal license plates and the Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp.

Interested educators should submit an application between January 1 and May 31 to the ODNR Division of Wildlife, 2045 Morse Road, Bldg. G, Columbus, OH 43229. Complete details of the grant program and an application packet can be found at wildohio.com. To learn more about Project WILD or to find an area workshop, please call 1-800-WILDLIFE.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR Web site at ohiodnr.com.