This program is intended to encourage the development of outdoor learning areas that promote natural resources conservation and environmental awareness for students of all ages. The primary objective of an outdoor classroom is to provide a setting in which hands-on learning about our natural environment can take place.

Developing an outdoor classroom is a community effort between the Natural Resources District and the school. To obtain the greatest benefit from an outdoor classroom, it should be designed with educational goals and standards in mind and include the involvement of teachers, PTO members, and others who will use the area. The project coordinator of the outdoor classroom must work with other teachers when designing the area, and provide a short course training on how it can be used and incorporated into the curriculum.. The project should also have approval of the school or site administrator.

The grant will fund up to 60% of the proposed project cost, with the NRD share not to exceed $2,000 per request, per fiscal year, (July 1- June 30). The remaining 40% of the project can be covered by in-kind contributions, labor associated with the project or other funding sources.

Grant funds can be used for materials needed to create or improve an outdoor classroom site on school grounds. This includes the purchase of such items as:

• Plants
• Seeds
• Animal feeders and shelters
• Materials for the creation of a wetland or pond habitat
• Interpretive signage

The program is available to all public and non-public elementary and secondary schools in the District. Other sites that promote environmental education will also be considered. Outdoor classroom grants sponsored by the Lower Platte South Natural Resources District are non-competitive. Grants are awarded in the order in which they are submitted and approved, until annual budget funds are expended.

The program requires the designation of an environmental education coordinator at the school that has certification in Project WILD, Project Learning Tree or Project WET. The NRD can assist with the certification in these environmental education programs.

To apply, submit a project proposal to the NRD that includes the following:
1. Project Description including a cover letter; learning goals and objectives; student, parent and community involvement; teacher training; project timeline, project evaluation and assessment.
2. Itemized Budget including cost of materials and labor; in-kind contributions; total project costs; assistance requested from the NRD; assistance requested from other sources.
3. Site plan and specifications

Send the proposal to: Lower Platte South NRD, PO Box 83581, Lincoln, NE 68501-3581

For more information or to request a grant application packet, contact McKenzie Barry at 476-2729 or mbarry@lpsnrd.org