Natural resources department offers teacher grants

SPRINGFIELD _ The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is offering grants for educators who want to teach lessons on wildlife habitat.

Some of the suggested projects are a school yard prairie plot, butterfly garden or watering station.

Applicants have to commit to the project for three years and applications are due Nov. 30.

The acting director of the department says the grants will allow teachers to bring the outdoors and natural education to students who may not have the opportunity to study nature.

The department has already distributed nearly $83,000 in grants to 200 educators.