For more information, contact:
mmiller@peoriaparks.org

Here's an idea for funding your next field trip:

• Illinois Department of Natural Resources Biodiversity Field Trip Grants, offered through the ENTICE program, provide educators with a means to take children to the world rather than always bringing the world to them.

• The maximum award of $500 may be used for transportation, scientific equipment, educational materials, substitute teacher costs, and costs associated with a guest speaker.

• The application form is available on the IDNR web site.

• Biannual application deadlines are Februrary and October 15.

Teachers at our August 2003 Mattoon workshop had some great suggestions on free prairie materials for your classroom:

• Send a postcard and request the Jewels of the Prairie poster set. It includes six posters showing prairie grasses, wildflowers, and wildlife as well as plants by blooming season and height. Distributed by the Iowa Department of Transportation to anyone requesting a set ... even Illinois residents!

  Iowa Department of Transportation
  Attn: Steve Holland
  800 Lincoln Way
  Ames, Iowa 50010

• Request old copies of the Prairie Nursery catalog for classroom use. One of the pioneers in the prairie landscaping movement, this nursery publishes a detailed catalog with pictures, descriptions, and cultivation information. The catalogs can be used in a variety of classroom activities -- from developing prairie garden layouts to math exercises to collages. Contact Prairie Nursery's marketing director, Sharon Dahlke, at 1-800-476-9453 to make your request.

Prairie School teachers, we're looking for ideas from you. This section is intended as a place for sharing ideas, recommending books and videos and guiding teachers new to the curriculum to the activities that have worked best in your classroom. Submit your tips today!

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