Two Massachusetts groups selected for $35,000 in EPA Environmental Education Grants

A heritage center in Gloucester and an environmental group in Concord were recently awarded a total of $35,000 in environmental education grants from the US Environmental Protection Agency.

The Gloucester Maritime Heritage Center, which received a $22,574 grant, will use the money to educate students on local marine resources through its Ocean Explorers 3rd & 4th grade Marine Science Program. In this program, students explore plankton collections and identification, water quality, marine habitats and humans effects on this environment.

The Organization for the Assabet River in Concord, which received $12,502, will use the money for a summer program that educates elementary school students. In partnership with the Massachusetts Audubon, the organization is offering a series of 56 one-hour, outdoor, workshops to children 6 to 12 years old on watershed and the water cycle, aquatic plants, aquatic animals, water bugs, water testing, water conservation, and water pollution.

These grants were among nine environmental education grants totaling $189,000 chosen this year by EPA’s New England office from among 65 applicants. These grants fund projects that focus on improving teaching skills for educators, typically through workshops; educating teachers, students or the public about the environment and potential health problems stemming from environmental pollution; helping states or communities to develop and deliver environmental education programs; or promoting environmental careers among students.

“Education plays a central role in protecting our environment,” said Robert Varney, regional administrator for EPA’s New England Office. “Students who learn more about their environment know better what is needed to address the challenges of creating a clean and healthy environment.”