We are excited to announce that Nature At The Confluence is partnering with Sand Bluff Bird Observatory to host grant writing parties for 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th grade teachers at Nature At The Confluence! Writing grants can be difficult and, if you’ve never written a grant, intimidating. We want to help support teachers in their application for a Target Stores Field Trip Grant.
Target has field trip grants available to pay for transportation, admissions and supplies for field trips. Transportation is a costly part of taking a field trip and our plan is that classes could come to Sand Bluff for a morning program then go to the Nature at the Confluence in South Beloit for an afternoon program. By visiting both locations, the classes would receive a full day of nature based, ecology and conservation education.
Sand Bluff volunteers and Nature At The Confluence will host the grant writing parties, providing information about our organizations including how programming could meet state standards; help with phrasing, brainstorming and other assistance. We are hoping teachers will be able to start and possibly finish a Target Field Trip Grant for the Spring or Fall of 2018 during the session If you would like more information or are interested in attending a grant writing party, please contact Megan Pease (peasemeganm@gmail.com; 608-354-2540) to reserve a spot.
Teacher Grant Writing Party Dates
- Tuesday, 9/12, 6-8 pm, Rockford Public Library, 215 N. Wyman St., Rockford (Classroom C)
- Saturday, 9/16, 10 am -12pm, Nature at the Confluence, 306 Dickop St., South Beloit, IL
- Wednesday, 9/20, 4:30-6:30 pm, Rockford Public Library, 215 N. Wyman St., Rockford (Classroom C)
- Saturday, 9/23, 10 am – 12 pm, Nature at the Confluence, 306 Dickop St., South Beloit, IL
Target Field Trip Grant Information:
Grants are due by 9/30/2017 for any field trip taken during 2018 and applicants notified by email by 12/15, 2017.
Each individual teacher can submit a grant for up to $700 and funds may be used to cover transportation, admission fees, food, resource materials and supplies.
About Sand Bluff Bird Observatory:
The Sand Bluff Bird Observatory is a non-profit citizen science organization capturing, studying and releasing wild migratory birds at the Colored Sands Forest Preserve. The research has been conducted for more than 50 years and the knowledgeable volunteers enjoy sharing their experiences and information about birds, conservation and ecology with visitors. A typical program for school groups will include:
- A presentation about the avian research, ecology and specific bird species
- Seeing wild migratory birds
- Observing the collection of data about wild birds
- A short hike to observe the field research process
About the Nature at the Confluence Learning Center:
The Nature at the Confluence Learning Center is located in South Beloit where the Turtle Creek joins the Rock River, 17 minutes from Sand Bluff Bird Observatory. The non-profit organization offers programs focusing on nature, ecology and local history and they have large indoor and outdoor classroom meeting spaces with bathrooms and sinks. Welty Environmental Center is our programming partner.
- Stream Team: Freshwater Biology Including Identification of Species and Importance of Healthy Streams
- Green Team: Pulling Invasive Species Weeds and Identifying Native Species
- Learning Gardens: The Pollinator Garden, The Centennial Heritage Garden, Sensory Garden and others
- Environmental Education Programs tailored to your needs
