The ClearWater Conservancy is now accepting applications for its Connection Program to fund trips to Millbrook Marsh Nature Center for students in schools throughout Centre County to provide watershed education in an outdoor setting. The deadline for application is February 20.

Educators at schools throughout Centre County can now apply for a grant that will provide a day of outdoor education for students in preschool through 7th grade in spring 2015.

The Connections project is targeted to the five Centre County school districts--Bald Eagle, Bellefonte, Penns Valley, Philipsburg, and State College--as well as charter and private schools in Centre County.

However, schools beyond Centre County may also apply for funding.

Since 1997, ClearWater Conservancy’s Connection Project By reaching out to younger generations, ClearWater Conservancy hopes to teach children about the natural world, encourage them to take actions for conservation and inspire them to share what they learn with parents and friends.

“Learning in an outdoor environment is great, and the students engaged with the teachers enthusiastically,” said Anne Houck, a teacher at Mountaintop Elementary School, Snow Shoe, after her class took part in Connections. “The nature walk through the marsh was filled with interesting facts, and the students especially enjoyed examining the living things that came from the stream.”

With school budgets tight across the Commonwealth, this project provides children with a valuable outdoor educational experience they would not otherwise enjoy. Teachers can apply for grant funding and once approved, they will be able to schedule a field trip with the Millbrook Marsh Nature Center.

Eligible expenses include Millbrook Marsh Nature Center program fees and transportation costs.

So far, ClearWater has raised the funds to send over 19,200 local students to Millbrook Marsh Nature Center for hands-on environmental education.

Grant recipients will be announced as soon as possible after the application deadline.

To apply or donate for this year’s trips, please the Conservancy’s Environmental Outreach webpage or contact Sarah Edge by sending email to: sarah@clearwaterconservancy.org.

2/2/2015