The Ocean County Soil Conservation District will award up to four $500 grants in 2004 to teachers and schools to develop outdoor classrooms.
To date, 30 grants totaling $15,500 have been awarded by the county conservation district.
Outdoor classrooms offer a realistic way for students to learn how the subjects and skills taught in the classroom relate to the world around them, according to a press release from the soil conservation district. Outdoor classrooms also offer an opportunity for parents and the community to become involved in conservation efforts. Outdoor classrooms can demonstrate to homeowners and residents how they can take positive actions and make improvements to their own home landscapes that will be beneficial to wildlife, promote water conservation and reduce the runoff of nonpoint sources of pollution, such as fertilizers and pesticides, from their yards, according to the press release. This will, in turn, help improve the water quality of area lakes, streams and rivers that eventually flow into Barnegat Bay, helping the bay itself, according to the conservation district.
Teachers from any public school in Ocean County may apply for the grants. The deadline for applications is Dec. 15. For more information or an application, call (609) 971-7002.