Environmental Education Grants (Emmet County)

Environmental Education Grants is a grant from the Petoskey and Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation that funds nature-based learning for K-12 students in Emmet County, Michigan.

Established in 2009, the Environmental Education Fund supports field trip transportation to local nature preserves, birding trails, state parks, fishing ponds, and farms; equipment such as binoculars, orienteering devices, and art supplies for deeper ecological observation; and specialized training for local educators and nonprofit staff in environmental education facilitation.

Grants of up to 500 dollars are available to schools and nonprofit organizations. Since its founding the fund has helped nearly 5,000 Emmet County children and teens connect with the region's inland lakes, hardwood forests, coastal sand dunes, migratory bird paths, and Little Traverse Bay. Requests must be submitted before the proposed activity, as the foundation does not reimburse completed activities.

Environmental Education Grants :: Petoskey & Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation Environmental Education Fund The Environmental Education Fund was established in 2009 by a generous donor who wanted to connect local youth to the incredible ecology that surrounds them.

With inland lakes, hardwood forests, “million dollar” sunsets, freshwater springs, coastal sand dunes, migratory bird paths, pastoral countryside, and the beloved Little Traverse Bay, Emmet County boasts an abundance of natural resources for our enjoyment and learning. We truly have one of the best “outdoor classrooms” around!

Environmental Education Fund grants may be used to support nature-based learning for K-12 students in Emmet County. Current priorities include: Field trip transportation to local nature preserves, birding trails, state parks, fishing ponds, family farms and other outdoor environments that complement what students are learning in their classrooms.

Equipment such as orienteering devices, art supplies, binoculars, waders, etc. that enhances student learning and deeper observation of the ecology. Specialized training for local educators and nonprofit staff on how to facilitate environmental education for area students. Since 2009 the Environmental Education Fund has helped nearly 5,000 Emmet County children and teens learn from nature!

Please submit your request in advance of the proposed activity. The Community Foundation does not reimburse activities that have already occurred. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis during the school year.

The Community Foundation will review your request. If approved, a grant check will be mailed within three weeks. (School applicants, note that grant checks will be mailed to your superintendent.)

Call our office at 231-348-5820 or email [email protected] . You can learn more about environmental education at the following sites: Little Traverse Conservancy offers many area nature preserves to explore, plus environmental education staff, programs, and resources for teachers. Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council trains local high school students to become watershed experts through their signature program, The Watershed Academy.

Michigan Alliance for Environmental and Outdoor Education is a professional association supporting and advancing environmental education in a variety of settings. Alliance for the Great Lakes has K-8 and 9-12 “Great Lakes in My World” curriculum that teaches core science concepts, improves science skills and connects students to their community and their environment.