FARMERSBURG, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Students at multiple schools in the Wabash Valley are getting a chance to explore nature as part of field trips paid for in part by grant funding from the Department of Natural Resources.
According to DNR, the Discover the Outdoors Field Trip Grant Program is available to all K-12 schools in the state and is administered through the Indiana Natural Resources Foundation.
Grants of up to $250 per school help fund transportation costs, program fees, and supplies related to the field trips.
Statewide, the DNR estimates that the program will benefit 3,432 Hoosier students in the 2023-2024 school year. A total of $10,520 was granted to various school districts.
Locally, Terre Haute’s Eastside Christian Academy will use their grant for a field trip to Turkey Run or Shades State Parks. Farmersburg’s North Central Jr./Sr. High School will use their funding for a trip to Shakamak State Park. Shoals Community School students will benefit during their trip to Spring Mill State Park. While Washington High School students will pay a visit to Spring Mill State Park as well.
“On their field trips, students will participate in a guided hike or talk with an interpretive naturalist at a designated property to learn about Indiana’s fish, forests, wildlife, natural habitats, and conservation,” the release reads.
The Discover the Outdoors Field Trip Grant program has been in place since 2013, and has awarded more than $56,500 in overall funding, benefitting an estimated 20,400 students over the first decade of the program’s existence.
“Through these grants and the support of our partners, Hoosier students across the state will gain hands-on experiences in Indiana State Parks,” Jody Kress, INRF executive director said. “We hope to see this program continue to grow so we can educate more students about our natural and cultural legacy.”
