Environmental Concern, a non-profit wetlands education and restoration organization, is now accepting applications for grants of up to $2,000 for schoolyard wetland habitat construction and training under the WOW! The Wonders of Wetlands & POW! Program.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.

The sites can be schools or education centers, but must be in Pennsylvania and within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. Through these grants EC can help with every step of the planning and installation process.

In order to be considered as a candidate, EC needs to make sure that the entire school is on board with the project. There must be a project leader that will be the main contact person as well as a support team including as many others as possible.

EC will need a letter of support signed by the principal and maintenance staff of the school. The school needs to be willing to host a full-day WOW! The Wonders of Wetlands and/or POW! The Planning of Wetlands workshop for their staff and others in the community (including staff, students, parents and teachers).

The current project cycle is to be completed by June 30, 2008.

The funding would cover the design, construction and planting of the wetland. Separate grant monies cover the educator trainings, consultation fees and travel costs. There are slots available for this school year, and more next year.

For more information, contact Sarah Toman for an application form by sending email to: pow@wetland.org or call 410-745-9620.

11/2/2007