The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and the Illinois Conservation Foundation (ICF) announced that 20 Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Action Grants have been awarded from the fall 2021 application period.
“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 Colleen Callahan. “By participating in these projects, students learn that their efforts can make a positive difference in the world, and they gain experience in problem-based learning by planning, developing and maintaining the habitat.”
The program supports the development or enhancement of wildlife habitat on school grounds or other public places. It has a goal to have a program project in every county of the state and eventually at every school.
The most recent awards supported pollinator gardens at 15 schools across the state, five butterfly gardens, one wetland habitat and one tree habitat.
Source: IDNR
