“I enjoyed learning about all of the species of animals and plants, how to identify invasive species, and going on the trails and being in the great outdoors. Thank you to the Natural Resources Council of Maine, who have helped us tremendously with our project!” — Charlotte, Student at Loranger Memorial School, 2018
“Students are very motivated to make composting a norm in the cafeteria. It has been rewarding to watch students who have stepped up as leaders as they have organized and problem-solved to make the compost project successful.” –Andrea Freed, Environmental Club Advisor and Middle School Teacher at Hall-Dale Middle School, 2018
“Our project ‘Revitalizing the Harrison Elementary School Nature Trail,’ plans to utilize the wooded areas surrounding our school and turn them into a learning destination for all students. We are blessed to live in a state, and community region, where access to Maine’s forests is in our literal backyard!” – Rob Ripley, 6th Grade STEM Teacher, Harrison Elementary School, 2019
The Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM) is Maine’s leading nonprofit membership organization working to protect Maine’s land, air, waters, and wildlife, now and for future generations. We use science, public outreach, and citizen engagement activities to restore Maine’s watersheds; protect Maine’s forestlands; increase clean and efficient energy; and promote sustainability initiatives such as composting and recycling.
From 2015-2020, NRCM awarded small grants to Maine middle school teachers and club leaders (6th, 7th, or 8th grades) for projects to educate and engage students in Maine’s environment and the value of protecting it. NRCM granted funds to 31 schools from across Maine and reached more than 3,000 students.
Our spring 2020 projects continued despite the pandemic! Read grantee blogs here.
Info & Map of Past Grantees
Click here to view a map of schools across Maine who have received past NRCM school project grants. To date, 31 schools, reaching more than 3,000 students, have received funding through this program.
Hear from Awardees
Students and teachers write blogs to give updates and share photos & info. Read posts from past awardees to learn about the cool projects students engage in to learn about Maine's environment.
