We are excited to share how community funding is making a significant difference in bringing Lake Erie’s ecology to life for students!
This year, hundreds of students are heading to Kelleys Island, Ohio, not for a vacation, but for an immersive, hands-on learning experience. They’ll be exploring the vibrant ecology of Lake Erie firsthand, getting their hands wet, and discovering the interconnectedness of this vital ecosystem. These trips are incredibly valuable for young learners, offering real-world experiences that are essential for a complete education.
Such impactful educational journeys often come with costs for transportation, ferry tickets, educational guides, and field equipment, which frequently exceed typical school budgets. This is where the generosity of community donors truly makes a difference. Community funding bridges this gap, ensuring that students from all backgrounds have the opportunity to explore Lake Erie’s ecology. Every contribution, no matter the size, directly enhances students’ ability to learn in this unique, immersive way. Which enables us to continue the program through the fall.
We are incredibly grateful to the Erie County Community Foundation, Ottawa County Community Foundation, The Michelle Wightman/ Karrie Wieber Charitable Foundation, The Ohio Department of Natural Resources-Division of Wildlife, and the Youth Advisory Council-The Erie
County Community Foundation. Their combined contributions of over $11,500 are providing students from Erie County, Ottawa County, and Sandusky Schools with these invaluable one-day opportunities on Kelleys Island. Specifically, these grants will help cover:
• Ferry transportation from the mainland to Kelleys Island naturalist-led tours and activities
• Educational program fees for naturalist-led tours and activities
• Supplies for water testing, specimen collection, and ecological study
Hands-on environmental education plays a crucial role in shaping the next generation of scientists, conservationists, and responsible citizens. By enabling students to experience the living ecosystem of Lake Erie directly, our community members are investing in both the future of these children and the long-term health of the lake itself. These trips are planting seeds that we believe will inspire future generations to protect this incredible natural resource.
