Field trip grant program benefits approximately 1,500 children

Local Sources- Students from 21 Indiana schools will take field trips to Indiana State Park properties this academic year thanks in part to the Discover the Outdoors grant program administered through the Indiana Natural Resources Foundation (INRF), the supporting nonprofit of the DNR.

The program awards public, private, parochial, or home-school educators grants that range from $180-$250 to fund transportation costs, program fees, and classroom supplies related to preparation or follow-up for the field trips. An estimated 1,454 students from K-12 will benefit from the $5,080 in grants the program expects to distribute.

Since the program’s inception in 2013, it has awarded a total of 174 grants to provide approximately 17,000 students the chance to visit one of 25 state parks, eight reservoirs, two state forest recreation areas, and two off-road state recreation areas at less cost to them and their schools. More than $46,000 in overall funding has been distributed to engage students in learning about Indiana's fish, forests, wildlife, natural habitats, and conservation.

To see more about this grant program, visit youtu.be/uC4QjhsBLO8.

The fund was established in memory of Tom Huck, a long-time DNR employee who was an ardent supporter of outdoor experiences for children in parks. Periodic financial assistance also comes from the Indiana Master Naturalist Advisory Council.

“We appreciate the generosity of those who contribute to Indiana's youth,” said Jody Kress, executive director of INRF. “We hope to see this program grow so we can educate more students across the state about our natural and cultural legacy.”

To donate, visit IndianaNRF.org. The receiving schools and where they will visit are listed below:

School Name

City

Grade

# of students

Property

Shortridge High School

Indianapolis

11th

140

Indiana Dunes

Bainbridge Elementary

Bainbridge

2nd grade

65

McCormick's Creek

Carmel High School

Carmel

9th-12th

100

Turkey Run

Central Middle School

Columbus

8th

125

Brown County

Faith Christian School

Lafayette

3rd

52

Prophetstown

Inspire Academy

Muncie

7th & 8th

30

Summit Lake State Park

Lafayette Christian School

Lafayette

4th

32

Prophetstown

Lancaster Central Elementary

Bluffton

K

100

Ouabache State Park

North Central Junior-Senior High School

Farmersburg

10th-12th

40

Shakamak

North Harrison Elementary

Ramsey

2nd

90

O'Bannon Woods

Pioneer Elementary

Royal Center

4th

85

Prophetstown

Rock Creek Community Academy

Sellersburg

K

50

Falls of Ohio

South Decatur Elementary School

Greensburg

4th

60

Versailles

Southern Wells Elementary

Poneto

6th

75

McCormick's Creek

St. Aloyius Catholic School

Yoder

5th-8th

20

Turkey Run or Chain O’Lakes

Sullivan Elementary School

Sullivan

1st

105

Shakamak

Test Intermediate School

Richmond

5th

30

Whitewater Memorial

Thomas Miller Elementary School

Lafayette

3rd

80

Prophetstown

Washington High School

Washington

9th

100

Spring Mill State Park

Wild and Free Homeschool Community

Indianapolis

K-5th

15

Deam Lake SRA

Woodlawn Christian School

Goshen

3rd-6th

30

Chain O'Lakes

To view all DNR news releases, please see dnr.IN.gov.