Updated January 29, 2007
Outdoor Classroom Cost Share Program
The Central Platte NRD’s Outdoor Classroom Cost Share Program was developed to encourage outdoor learning areas that promote natural resources conservation and environmental awareness.
Our Cost Share Program will fund up to 50% of the proposed project cost, with the NRD share not to exceed $1,500 per proposed project, per fiscal year (July 1-June 30). The remaining 50% of the project cost may be covered by personal donations, in-kind contributions, labor associated with the project, or other funding sources.
The NRDs Programs Committee will review your application and make a recommendation to the Board of Directors. The Board meets the fourth Thursday of each month. You will be notified about approval promptly after the Board has made a decision.
Outdoor Classroom Cost Share funds may be used for materials needed to implement or expand an existing outdoor classroom site on the school grounds. Some of these materials may include:
‚ trees, shrubs (also available through the NRD Urban Forestry Program) Printable Application
‚ perennials, grasses, seeds, bulbs, etc.
‚ materials for creation of wetland or pond habitat
‚ interpretive signs
‚ animal feeders and shelters, other approved projects
Requirements:
1) The Program is designed for elementary/secondary public, non-public and environmental education sites within the Central Platte NRD. Counties include: parts of Custer, Buffalo, Frontier, Hall, Howard, Nance, Merrick, Hamilton, Platte, Polk and all of Dawson.
2) The Program requires the designation of an environmental education coordinator that has certification in Project Wild, Project Learning Tree, Project WET or other approved environmental curriculum at the school. The Outdoor Classroom applicant will be required to designate staff/volunteer to serve as their environmental education coordinator. The NRD will provide schedules and dates for certification in these national education programs. Click here for current workshops.
3) Your proposal must be signed by the superintendent or the school’s Board of Directors with a guarantee that the outdoor classroom will be maintained for at least five years from the completion date. If the project is not maintained for five years, the NRD will require a full refund.
Include the following in your proposal:
< Cover letter: Name of the school, address and phone number.
Project leader: This is the person who is heading the project and will serve as the primary contact. Include name, title, correspondence address, e-mail and phone number.
Project purpose: Brief summary of the project.
Total project cost: Include the total project cost and the specific amount you are requesting from the NRD.
Required signatures: Project leader and Superintendent or School Board.
Project Description- Include information as it relates to your project.
*Specific learning goals and objectives for all grade levels involved.
*Student involvement: During and after planning of project.
*Community involvement: Include teachers, administration, parents and groups.
*Teacher training opportunities
*Measuring, monitoring and evaluation of the project.
*Future sustenance.
*Name and current certification of designated environmental education coordinator.
Attachments:
Site Plan: Include location on school grounds, dimensions, location and identification of plant species, location of other features.
Species List
Itemized Budget: Include expenditures, donations, in-kind contributions, and other funds.
Timetable: Include dates of project, from beginning to end.
*Be sure to emphasize student involvement in the planning process.
Submit your application and site plan to: Marcia Lee, Information/Education Specialist
Central Platte Natural Resources District
215 N. Kaufman Avenue Grand Island, NE 68803
Tel: (308) 385-6282 Fax: (308) 385-6285 www.cpnrd.org
Contact: Marcia Lee
Horizon Middle Middle School in Kearney
developed
this "Freedom Garden" with NRD cost share funds.