CHAMPAIGN – State Senator Paul Faraci announced the Faith and Reasoning Learning Community in Urbana received funding to take students on a field trip to study Illinois’ natural resources.
“Field trips are essential for the education of our state’s youth, helping to improve students’ retention and engagement, and no child should be denied the opportunity to obtain hands-on, real-world learning due to financial barriers,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “I’m proud to see this funding coming to aid local students, ensuring we’re fostering not only academic success but also a sense of appreciation for our environment.”
Through this round of funding, the Illinois Biodiversity Field Trip Grant program, administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the Illinois Conservation Foundation, awarded more than $101,000 for 108 field trip grants, allowing nearly 7,000 students across 34 counties to visit Illinois state parks, natural areas, museums and other natural resources sites. Since its inception in 2001, the program has distributed more than $1.7 million and awarded more 146,000 students the opportunity to take part in a field trip.
In Faraci’s district, Faith and Reasoning Learning Community in Urbana received $1,315 in funding for students in grades four through 12 to visit the The Nature Institute in Godfrey – a nonprofit land conservation and environmental education organization offering over 20 field trip programs for students in preschool through college.
“These field trip grants offer students the opportunity to get outdoors and experience what they’ve been learning about in the classroom,” said IDNR Director Natalie Phelps Finnie. “The next generation of conservation leaders deserve a chance to experience Illinois’ natural resources in person. IDNR is pleased to support learning outside the classroom.”
Teachers can apply online for the next round of field trip funding by Jan. 31. For more information about the program, contact the IDNR Division of Education by emailing
