Looking for a unique blend of adventure and hands-on learning for students in kindergarten through 12th, here is a free opportunity.

Both public and private schools located in southwestern Pennsylvania are eligible for complimentary and discounted environmental education programs provided by the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania (ASWP).

These discovery programs are being made available through a generous donation from the Dominion Foundation and are being offered at either the school districts or at ASWP's Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve in Fox Chapel. Grant opportunities are limited and schools will be chosen on acompetitive basis.

The Dominion Foundation is dedicated to the economic, physical and social health of the communities served by Dominion companies.

The 20 educational outreach offerings available include a choice of "Live Birds of Prey", "Whose Land is it Anyway" or "Birds in the Burgh" programs. Scholarship opportunities are open to schools located within Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Washington and Westmoreland counties.

In addition to free offerings, a special incentive package has also been formulated to reduce the cost of additional programs so as to increase the overall number of children participating. The incentive package includes the offering of additional programs at reduced rates.

Dominion is one of the nation's largest producers of energy, with an energy portfolio of about 25,500 megawatts of generation and serves nine states.

ASWP is a non-profit environmental education organization which maintains two nature reserves in the Greater Pittsburgh region. This award-winning conservation association involves nearly 13,000 children, adults and teachers in hands-on outdoor education programs annually.

10/29/2004