wildlife action grant

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CONTACT: Marilyn Wyzga: (603) 271-3211 Jane Vachon: (603) 271-3211 January 21, 2005 WILDLIFE ACTION GRANTS AVAILABLE FOR TEACHERS Grant Application Deadline: February 28, 2005 CONCORD, N.H. -- Teachers interested in starting wildlife habitat projects can apply to the Homes for Wildlife Action Grant Program at New Hampshire Fish and Game for start-up funds. The program provides mini-grants of up to $300 -- or $600 with matching funds -- for projects allowing students and educators to enhance habitat for people and wildlife. The deadline for submitting proposals is February 28, 2005. For a proposal packet, write to Marilyn Wyzga, Public Affairs Division, N.H. Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, N.H. 03301; email mwyzga@wildlife.state.nh.us; or call (603) 271-3211. The Homes for Wildlife Action Grant Program is designed to support student environmental action that can be measured in acres improved or protected for wildlife. Activities can include hands-on schoolyard or community habitat improvement or projects influencing community attitudes about maintaining or protecting wildlife habitat. The grant program is funded by the Conservation License Plate fund, through the Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Program at Fish and Game. Each applicant may request up to $300, or up to $600 if a dollar-for-dollar match can be provided by the school or organization for any amount over the initial $300. A match is not required for the first $300. Grants are available to educators working in cooperation with Project HOME or Project WILD. Project HOME is an award-winning schoolyard habitat program coordinated by Fish and Game. Project WILD provides teachers with wildlife materials through interactive, interdisciplinary workshops about wildlife and the environment. Who can apply for the Wildlife Action Grants? * Project HOME facilitators; * Teachers and educators trained in Project WILD; or * Any teacher with a member of one of these programs on the project team. "We're looking for student-driven action projects that will directly benefit wildlife," says Marilyn Wyzga, coordinator of the Project HOME schoolyard habitat program at Fish and Game. "Projects with the best chance of long-term success involve schools assembling a team of staff, students, community members and resource professionals." Examples of past projects funded by Wildlife Action Grants include: * South Londonderry School replaced a section of blacktop with plants appropriate for creating a wildlife habitat garden and outdoor classroom. This includes fruit-bearing bushes and conifer shrubs and perennials, as well as bird feeders, birdbaths and bat houses. * The Community School, of Tamworth, developed a Songbird Habitat Improvement Project, with bird nesting boxes, an expanded butterfly and hummingbird garden, fruit trees, a winter birdfeeding station and a water feature. * The Milan Village School is reestablishing a habitat area that was removed to make way for a new school addition. The new habitat area includes native trees and shrubs, as well as bird boxes, to supplement outdoor classroom elements. Grant applications will be evaluated by staff from Project HOME and biologists and educators from the N.H. Fish and Game Department. Grant recipients are required to evaluate the progress of their project at the end of the school year. Recipients may apply for grants in subsequent years if additional funding is necessary, and also may apply for funds for new projects. The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department is the guardian of the state's fish, wildlife and marine resources. Visit online at http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us. -###- -- Copyright 2004 New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301. Comments or questions concerning this list should be directed to lpoinier@wildlife.state.nh.us.