Rep. Blaine Wilhour joins the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) in announcing the following schools have been awarded a grant in the 110th District:
St. Joseph School, Olney, $500: grade 8, Camp Ondessonk, Ozark
Salem Community High School, Salem, $750: grades 9-12, Illinois Caverns State Natural Area, Waterloo
“Like my annual fishing derby, these field trip grants offer students the opportunity to get outdoors and experience nature,” said Rep. Wilhour.
Nearly 7,000 students will visit Illinois state parks, natural areas, museums and other natural resources sites thanks to grants from the Illinois Biodiversity Field Trip Grant program administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and the Illinois Conservation Foundation (ICF).
Funding is made possible 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. The donations and funding are coordinated by ICF.
This competitive grant program allows Illinois teachers to apply for funds to take students on a field trip to study Illinois’ natural resources. Learning activities must directly relate to the school’s curriculum, and funding covers such expenses as transportation and substitute teachers.
IDNR awarded more than $101,000 for 108 field trip grants to support students experience Illinois state parks, historic sites and museums. This year’s grant recipients represent 34 Illinois counties. IDNR Director Natalie Phelps Finnie. “The next generation of conservation leaders deserve a chance to experience Illinois’ natural resources in person. IDNR is pleased to support learning outside the classroom.”
Learn more about applying for 2027 Grants Here.