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Maine Organizations Get $42,417 for Environmental Education Projects

Release Date: 09/22/2005
Contact Information:

Contact: David Deegan (deegan.dave@epa.gov), EPA Office of Public Affairs, (617) 918-1017

For Immediate Release: September 22, 2005; Release # dd050911

Two projects in Maine were awarded $42,417 in environmental education grants, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today. The organizations are among 13 recipients throughout New England that were awarded a total of $190,000.

Selected from more than 75 applicants in New England, the MDI Water Quality Coalition at Mt. Desert and the Washington County Soil & Water Conservation District, based in Machais were chosen for the grants.

The grants are targeted to organizations that tackle community issues, curriculum development and environmental health issues.

"Environmental education teaches our children how to create a cleaner environment for future generations," said Robert W. Varney, regional administrator of EPA's New England Office. “These grants support environmental education projects that address such challenges as water ecology, preservation and environmental justice issues."

The MDI Water Quality Coalition at Mt. Desert received $32,426 for its project done in collaboration with the local school district. This project will expand existing environmental education projects that involve third graders stenciling storm drains, sixth and seventh graders monitoring for red tide organisms, eighth graders monitoring water quality in streams and ponds, and tenth graders monitoring swim beaches. MDI trains teachers and engages in discussions with students about stewardship. More than 350 students and nine teachers are expected to participate in these projects.

The Washington County Soil & Water Conservation District, based in Machais, received $9,991 for a program promoting the conservation and stewardship of soil, water and natural resources. This project, which operates in 16 districts, will identify, assess, and prioritize statewide natural resources education needs, evaluate programs offered by conservation districts, and prepare a plan for coordinated educational programming.

For more information on the agency's education programs, visit the agency's web site at
https://www.epa.gov/ne/education/index.html

Additional Information:
CT | ME | MA | NH
RI | VT

Related Information:
Environmental Education Grants