COLUMBUS, OH - Ten grants of $500 each have been awarded to primary and secondary schools across Ohio to create wildlife habitats on their grounds, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. Habitat projects include bird feeding stations, butterfly gardens and bat houses.
For the first time, the ODNR Division of Wildlife was able to provide specific funding for these habitat improvement projects through its WILD School Site program. WILD School Sites help teachers and students and their educational communities create habitat environments that can be used to teach science, math, English, history, art, and many other subjects.
"We were hoping to see some quality projects submitted, and that's exactly what we got. It's exciting to see the level of student involvement and how well wildlife habitat projects mesh with today's school curriculum," said Jen Dennison, wildlife education coordinator for the division.
Applications for WILD School Site grants are accepted January 1 through May 31 each year. During that period, application forms are located on the ODNR Division of Wildlife's web page at ohiodnr.com under the Wildlife Diversity section. For more information about WILD School Sites grants or to receive information on how your school can participate in a WILD School Site workshop call 1-800-WILDLIFE.
| 2004 WILD SCHOOL SITE GRANT RECIPIENTS |
Slate Hill
Elementary School |
Worthington |
Creating a bird feeding area, bat and bird houses, and wildlife gardens
|
Hoffman Trails
Elementary School |
Hilliard |
Creating pioneer garden |
Beacon
Elementary School |
Hilliard |
Bird feeding station |
Tarhee
Elementary School |
Lancaster |
Revitalizing old land lab, clearing trails, and creating bird blind area |
Upper Valley JVS
David Brown Youth Center |
Troy |
Feeding station |
Ridgebrook
Elementary School |
Parma |
Butterfly garden |
Seneca SWCD's Miller
Conservation Farm |
Tiffin |
Planting butterfly and bird garden |
| Rock Hill Middle School |
Ironton |
Planting butterfly and bird garden |
Community Christian
School |
Byesville |
Bluebird study area |
| The Salem Kid's Center, Inc. |
Damascus |
Butterfly garden |