The Audubon Society of Rhode Island provides financial assistance to qualified schools looking to enrich their curriculum with an Audubon environmental education program, which support the state educational standards.  Audubon has two financial assistance opportunities available on a first come, first served basis.
 
Program Grants: 

Program grants are available to Title I Schools and Urban Districts.  These funds will cover 50% of the program fees associated with a visit to Audubon's Environmental Education Center in Bristol or another Audubon wildlife refuge - September through March.   In addition, Audubon offers reduced program fees during the winter months (December-March).  This means you can receive a 1½ indoor environmental program that aligns with the GSEs/GLEs for only $3 a student if you schedule a program now through March.  If you are applying for a program grant you can also apply for a transportation grant at the same time.

Download a Grant Application Here

Transportation Grants: 

These grants are available to ALL schools through out the entire school year.  The $100 grants help offset the increasing transportation expense for field trips to Audubon locations.
 
Audubon offers dynamic hands-on, science-based environmental education programs that help teachers achieve Rhode Island's educational standards.  To review the full list of environmental education programs offered by Audubon just click here.
 
Educators are encouraged to book programs quickly as funds are limited, and available on a first come, first served basis.  For details contact Kristen Swanberg  or call 401-245-7500 x3111.

How did you spend your play time as a child?  Did you go outside and explore the "woods"?  While there, did you play capture the flag, hide ‘n' seek, or maybe build a fort?  For most adults, the connection to nature began with similar, positive, childhood experiences.

By contrast, today's children are spending less and less time playing outside than in years past; however, they do spend an average of four hours each day watching TV and playing video games.  In addition, parents concerned for the safety of their children further limit their outdoor activities.  Some schools have even eliminated recess.

Author Richard Louv, in his book Last Child in the Woods, coined the term "nature-deficit disorder" to describe this phenomenon.  Given these restrictions, how will rising generations care for the earth when they have not had the opportunity to build a connection with nature? 

Although it might sound like a depressing trend, there is hope for our kids and our planet.  Over the last year, a quickly expanding national movement has blossomed that encourages families to get outside and play in response to this nature-deficit phenomenon.  

Nature beckons us to enjoy its beauty and unlock its mysteries, and now is an exciting and critical time for environmental education.  Organizations such as the U.S. Park Service, the National Wildlife Federation, and the Audubon Society of Rhode Island offer a multitude of quality programs that encourages children and families to explore the natural world.  

Lawmakers also are lending their support. Legislators in both the House and Senate have recently introduced the No Child Left Inside Act, which would incorporate environmental education into school curriculum in every state. Rhode Islanders should be proud to know that Senator Jack Reed introduced this act in the Senate.  If passed, it would be a huge boost for environmental education, exposing younger generations to the natural world.  This positive momentum is exciting.  However, it will take time, support, and crucial funding.