NC Arboretum receives $25,000 environmental impact grant for youth programming
The grant will support the Arboretum’s Freshwater Ecology Field Trip program.
Donated photo
Duke Energy Foundation has awarded The North Carolina Arboretum a $25,000 grant as part of its effort to support local conservation efforts and environmental impact programs across North Carolina.
The grant will support the Arboretum’s Freshwater Ecology Field Trip program, partnering with middle schools and their teachers to equip local youth with the knowledge and tools to protect and care for local waterways and teach science, technology, engineering, art and math skills.
The program annually engages 300 Buncombe County Title 1 students in the eighth grade in field trips to the Arboretum to learn about the importance of water quality, the role of environmental scientists and how to be strong watershed stewards in their communities. Activities include water testing, identifying macroinvertebrates and exploring freshwater ecosystems, and each student receives water testing kits to participate in one of the world’s largest community science programs and to foster continued care of waterways.
