Local recipients include Riverbend Environmental Center & Stroud Water Research Center

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced grants to 63 local environmental education projects. Applicants either demonstrated priorities of water, climate change and/or environmental justice, expanded the public’s understanding of PA’s environmental issues, and developed skills to make an informed decisions.

The  Environmental Education Grants Program was established by the Environmental Education Act of 1993, which mandates setting aside? 5% of the pollution fines and penalties DEP collects annually for environmental education in Pennsylvania. 

Riverbend Environmental Education Center was awarded $20,000 to host a replicable Summer Institute for teachers. DEP Southeast Regional Director Pat Patterson visited the center in March to see its Aquaponics program, which provides students with science lessons in aquaculture and hydroponics, the science of growing fish and plants together in a single integrated, soilless system. The program was also enhanced due to a $20K Environmental Education Grant.

“Parenting in the age of climate change is challenging. Riverbend firmly believes that every child and their family has the right to the benefits that nature can provide regardless of their ZIP code,” said Riverbend’s Director of Education and Strategic Initiatives Erin McCool. 

Environmental Education Projects Awarded by County

Chester County

• The Land Conservancy for Southern Chester County: Expand the New Leaf Sensory Garden by installing two (2) new stations, with the assistance of summer interns. Conduct Pre-school and summer camp field experiences, including lessons and activities. ($3,000)

Montgomery County

• The Friends of Briar Bush: Provide a two-part, hands-on watershed education program to approximately 180 fourth grade students to help them connect watershed and stormwater management concepts with their school sites. ($2,357)

Philadelphia County

• Awbury Arboretum Association, Inc.: Conduct native wildlife field studies and experiential lessons, including at least one STEM activity, for PreK-5th grade children. Teacher surveys will address the integration of topics with classroom teaching. ($3,000)

• Philadelphia Solar Energy Association: Develop a 6th-grade curriculum addressing solar energy and climate change that includes lesson plans, teacher training and interactive materials. ($18,739)

• Villanova University: Host climate change workshops that engage high school students in hands-on STEM activities and field experiences to observe sustainability initiatives adopted by academic institutions. ($19,425)

Projects Awarded to Multiple Counties

• Discovery Pathways: Train up to 20 youth steward community leaders from South Philadelphia immigrant and refugee communities. Youth will lead programs, in Philadelphia and Bucks counties, and develop materials for non-English speaking families, encouraging them to access local parks and outdoor recreation areas. ($3,000)

• Lower Merion Conservancy: Develop a hands-on program for students (grades 4-8) in Montgomery and Philadelphia counties that addresses solutions for nonpoint source water pollution, excess stormwater runoff and climate change environmental impacts. Create environmental clubs and install small-scale, low cost Green Stormwater Infrastructure on school properties and public lands. ($20,000)

• Nurture Nature Center: Expand the Watershed-Friendly Property certification and education program, including handouts, outreach kits and promotional materials, to reach large urban properties/institutions. Pilot the program in York, Philadelphia and Delaware counties for future statewide implementation. ($20,000)

• Pennsylvania Envirothon: Implement a statewide project that encourages high school students’ exploration of environmental issues and provides them with tools for creating healthy communities through stewardship actions. Students and teachers interact at the county state and national levels. Analyze the existing program to determine ways of expanding engagement of teachers and youth in environmental justice areas. ($65,710)

• Pennsylvania Interfaith Power & Light (2 projects): Hold seven (7) recorded climate change education sessions and three (3) celebrations at Philadelphia locations. Programs will include listening sessions and hands-on experiences. ($20,000); and Hold seven (7) recorded climate change education sessions and three (3) celebrations at SW PA Urban farms. Programs will include listening sessions and hand-on experiences. ($20,000)

• Pennsylvania Resources Council: Conduct eight (8) watershed protection and stormwater management workshops for residents in Delaware, Allegheny, Beaver and Fayette counties. Participants will receive a ‘Watershed Wisdom’ booklet and instructions for setting up, using and maintaining rain barrels. ($18,950)

• Riverbend Environmental Education Center: Host a replicable summer Institute for teachers (grades 3-5) from Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties that promotes the MWEE framework and builds teacher capacity to support student learning across multiple disciplines. Hold monthly virtual meetings with attendees to plan EE classroom implementation. ($20,000)

• Spirit and Truth Fellowship: Conduct a four (4) season workshop series for residents in Philadelphia and Delaware counties that: Teaches home energy efficiency strategies; Expands student participation in the solar installation vocational education program; Increases awareness of climate change challenges; and Facilitates consensus building to implement climate solutions. ($14,741)

• Stroud Water Research Center (two projects): Create innovative macroinvertebrate touch tanks to deliver programs for K-12 students, families and the public in Chester county ($3,000); and Implement a collaborate model for establishing six (6) outdoor spaces in Chester and Lancaster counties, that support watershed education involving K-12 teachers and students and promotes community interactions with schools. ($20,000)

• The Pennsylvania State University: Hold a 5-day residential camp program for students (grades 9-12) from Centre, Huntingdon and Chester counties, focusing on local water quality issues, climate change and social/leadership experiences. ($5,500)

• The Pennsylvania State University: Host a 20-hour Environmental Stewardship Program creating a total of 16 trainees in Blair, Chester, Lackawanna and Susquehanna counties. Participants will train an additional 80 people, lead workshops, and implement group projects. ($19,525)

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Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake. View all posts by Julie Hancher