Mini-Grant Recipients

All Our Kin’s Early Childhood Outdoor Education Workshop Series supported 50 family child care educators and 300 children by fostering a love of nature and outdoor exploration. Transitioning to virtual panels due to the pandemic, the series featured veteran educators sharing expertise, strengthening networks, and promoting high-quality outdoor education for children ages 0–5.

This project revitalized the Bear Path Elementary School Pollinator Garden by removing invasive species and planting native perennials. The project included a teaching guide aligned with NGSS, educational signage, and ongoing maintenance by HLCT, benefiting the environment and promoting environmental literacy among students and families.

Mini-grant recipients established a native and heirloom seed library that provided teachers, youth leaders, and visitors with free access to pollinator-friendly and heritage vegetable seeds. Accompanied by planting and care guides, the library promoted schoolyard and community gardening, supported local pollinator populations, and ensured long-term sustainability through seed returns and donations.

Common Ground enhanced its Farm Tour and Soil field trips for 4th–8th grade students by developing a Composting education module, training educators, and creating a dedicated composting area. Despite COVID-related cancellations, staff engaged smaller groups, created a draft curriculum, added interactive elements like a compost tumbler, and designed educational signage, laying the groundwork for future impact.

The NRCA enhanced its Conservation Ambassador and Training Partnership Programs by funding essential supplies for student-led conservation projects. These resources, such as nets, trail cameras, and water quality meters, supported biodiversity, restoration, and environmental monitoring efforts during the 2019–2020 program year.

The Audubon Center Bent of the River created portable StoryWalk® exhibits featuring children’s books about Connecticut’s role in the Atlantic Flyway and bird-friendly actions. These weatherproof exhibits, complemented by scavenger hunts and downloadable handouts, traveled to sanctuaries and events, with materials designed for long-term use.