ABINGTON, Montgomery County -- Governor Edward G. Rendell today announced
129 grants totaling $738,965 to create and develop projects that enhance
environmental education in Pennsylvania.

The grants support programs that engage students in environmental research
to expand their scientific literacy and ensure a future generation of
leaders who have the necessary skill and experience to recognize, comprehend
and help solve the world’s most difficult challenges.

“Many of these education programs are taking young people into the
environment so they can understand, through direct experiences, the nature
of Pennsylvania’s surroundings,” Governor Rendell said. “By letting them
experience the majesty of Penn’s Woods and the many challenges our
environment faces, we are hoping they will develop lifelong commitments to
keeping our commonwealth healthy and clean.”

The grants were awarded by the Department of Environmental Protection to
schools, universities, nonprofit organizations and county conservation
districts to create and develop projects that will help to increase
environmental literacy among Pennsylvanians.

Projects range from creative, hands-on lessons for students to
teacher-training programs and ecological education for adults. Topics
include watersheds, wetlands, Pennsylvania ecosystems, and renewable and
nonrenewable energy resources.

McKEAN COUNTY

McKean County Conservation District - $20,000 to create an environmental
education outreach program enabling students and citizens to learn through
various standards.