OHIO — Thousands of dollars in funds are being dispersed across the Buckeye State from the Ohio EPA targeting environmental education efforts.
The funds will go toward improving water quality, developing virtual networks, air pollution training and enhancing nature restoration efforts.
The Ohio EPA’s funds are being awarded to 18 different recipients. The Water Management Association of Ohio, Watershed Division is receiving the most money with $50,000 going toward its “MS4 Bootcamp On Demand,” which will create six videos to improve water quality in local waterbodies and downstream lakes and rivers. The videos are aimed at raising the community’s understanding and compliance with stormwater regulations.
The Cleveland Museum of Natural History will receive $49,936 for ecological restoration activities throughout its nature preserves. The project will work adjacent to Mentor Marsh efforts and raise public awareness through seven volunteer restoration events. The museum will also establish signage at three preserves.
In southwestern Ohio, Wright State University is receiving $49,895 for its “Futures in Chemistry: Empowering Young Minds in Electrochemical Detection of Heavy Metals for Water” which will teach high school students how to detect heavy metals in water and how vital water quality monitoring is. Through the program, students will have hands-on experience in environmental testing and data analysis.
The Ohio State University is receiving $35,320 for the development of a virtual networking platform through the Environmental Professionals Network. The project will help enhance the Environmental Career Ambassadors program. Funds will also support a day-long training and networking event in July at Columbus City School’s Spruce Run Nature Center.
Groundwork Ohio River Valley will receive $30,100 in order to train approximately 150 youth and area residents on the history and hazards of air pollution. The training will be conducted through hands-on educational activities.
Delaware City Schools, Hayes High School, will create the Hayes Outdoor Learning Lab with $21,823. There will be seven habitat areas designed and created by students to be filled with native plants.
The University of Rio Grande will receive $19,336 for its “Catfish in the Classroom” program, which unites the university with area high schools to house catfish fingerlings, establish tanks in participating classrooms, and provide training and curriculum around aquaculture.
Shelby Soil and Water Conservation District will provide education on watersheds through an augmented reality sandbox. The district is receiving $19,250 for the equipment, which will help educate residents on how topography and rainfall affect non-point source pollution and erosion.
For the Big Love Network, $5,000 have been awarded to fund “Growing Community,” which is a full-day activity where experts will discuss the connections between air quality, tree canopy, food security, place-making and safety in the East Akron neighborhood.
Other projects across the state, and their awarded funds, include:
- Community Life Collaborative: $4,966
- Macklin Legacy Gardens: $4,922
- Franklin County Pollinator Pathway: $4,896
- Naturewise Columbus: $4,000
- The Wilds: $3,065
- Franklin County Public Health: $2,978
- Ashtabula Soil and Water Conservation District: $2,634
- Clermont Park District: $2,442
- Indian Hill Exempted Village School District – Indian Hill Elementary School: $2,000
For more information on the awards and the projects being conducted, click here.