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$36,552 Grant to the Blue River Watershed Association for Environmental Education

Release Date: 10/27/2011
Contact Information: Kris Lancaster, (913) 551-7557, lancaster.kris@epa.gov or Chelsey Derks, (913) 551-7240, derks.chelsey@epa.gov

Environmental News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Kansas City, Kan., Oct. 27, 2011) - EPA Region 7 has awarded the Blue River Watershed Association in Kansas City, Mo., an environmental education grant totaling $36,552. This is one of six grants being awarded to schools, universities and organizations in the Agency’s four-state region to fund the development of new environmental education projects. The execution of these environmental education projects will further EPA’s commitment to protecting human health and the environment.

“Educating our communities on environmental issues is crucial to creating a safe and healthy environment for children to learn and grow,” said Karl Brooks, regional administrator. “The diversity of the proposals selected shows the commitment of the people of Region 7 to producing and sustaining a healthy environment.”

This project will engage the Kansas City metropolitan community in activities to protect and restore the Blue River Watershed. It will involve a diverse target audience by focusing on public, private, charter and parochial schools located in the urban core, suburban neighborhoods and rural regions surrounding Kansas City. The grant will be used to educate teachers about stormwater issues. Teachers will then use the information given to involve students in water quality research projects that utilize problem solving and critical thinking skills.

The Environmental Education Grant program provides seed money for new projects and assistance to advance existing projects. The projects increase public awareness of environmental issues and provide the skills to take responsible actions to protect the environment.