Students from 21 Indiana schools will take field trips to Indiana State Park properties this academic year thanks in part to the Discover the Outdoors grant program administered through the Indiana Natural Resources Foundation (INRF), the supporting nonprofit of the DNR.

The program awards public, private, parochial, or home-school educators grants that range from $180-$250 to fund transportation costs, program fees, and classroom supplies related to preparation or follow-up for the field trips. An estimated 1,454 students from K-12 will benefit from the $5,080 in grants the program expects to distribute.

Since the program’s inception in 2013, it has awarded a total of 174 grants to provide approximately 17,000 students the chance to visit one of 25 state parks, eight reservoirs, two state forest recreation areas, and two off-road state recreation areas at less cost to them and their schools. More than $46,000 in overall funding has been distributed to engage students in learning about Indiana's fish, forests, wildlife, natural habitats, and conservation.

To see more about this grant program, visit youtu.be/uC4QjhsBLO8.

The fund was established in memory of Tom Huck, a long-time DNR employee who was an ardent supporter of outdoor experiences for children in parks. Periodic financial assistance also comes from the Indiana Master Naturalist Advisory Council.

“We appreciate the generosity of those who contribute to Indiana's youth,” said Jody Kress, executive director of INRF. “We hope to see this program grow so we can educate more students across the state about our natural and cultural legacy.”

To donate, visit IndianaNRF.org. The receiving schools and where they will visit are listed below:

To view all DNR news releases, please see dnr.IN.gov.

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Media contact: Jody Kress, executive director, Indiana Natural Resources Foundation, 317-234-5447, jkress@dnr.IN.gov.