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Arkansas Environmental Projects Win EPA Awards

Release Date: 7/17/2000
Contact Information: For more information contact the Office of External Affairs at (214) 665-2200.

     The Arkansas 4-H Foundation and the Central Arkansas Planning and Development District, Inc. will receive Environmental Education Grants totaling $23,325 from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The projects increase environmental awareness while encouraging students to pursue careers in environmental fields.

     "The creativity, enthusiasm and commitment of these students and their adult sponsors will help ensure that our environment is protected for future generations. The projects are powerful examples of what can be accomplished when concerned individuals work together to improve their neighborhoods and communities," EPA Regional Administrator Gregg Cooke said.

     The Arkansas 4-H Foundation will receive a grant for $18,325 to support its program, the 4-H Responsible Environmental Stewardship Quest. The program allows at-risk students from nine to 16 years old to attend three three-day camps to receive instruction in environmental concepts.  The camps provide experiences in water, wildlife,  forestry, and environmental ethics.  

     After the camps, the students are monitored through a partnership with the local police department "ranger" program for follow up evaluation.  The camps provide students a sense of ownership and pride in their environment.

     The Central Arkansas Planning and Development District, Inc. will receive a $5,000 grant to support its program, the Hazards of Pollution Model. The District is expanding its existing environmental educational programs to include visual elements to accompany the popular Hazards of Pollution program.  The focus is on kindergarten through seventh grades.  Students  interact with such personalities as Trash Ella to learn the consequences of their solid waste habits and ways to make improvements.

     This year Region 6 received  57 entries from Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. Fourteen groups were selected to receive $100,000 in Environmental Education grants.

     Since 1992, EPA has received between $2 and $3 million in grant funding per year and has awarded about 1,700 grants nationwide. More information about Environmental Education Grants and information on applying for grants to be awarded in 2001 is available on EPA's website at https://www.epa.gov/enviroed/grants.html or by calling the Region 6 coordinator at 214.665.2204 or toll-free at 800.887.6063.