Saint Peter Public Schools

North Elementary staff member, Morgan Lenhoff, recently learned she was awarded a grant from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) No Child Left Inside grant program. The grant proposal, written by Lenhoff and entitled “Winter Wings and Trails,” was awarded $20,250 to carry out nature-based activities centered around snowshoeing and the local bird population at North and other nearby outdoor spaces.

“I am very excited about the new opportunities this grant is going to bring to North Elementary students,” Lenhoff said. “The grant funds will be used to obtain snowshoes and related equipment as well as birding supplies such as binoculars to engage in outdoor activities and learning opportunities.”

By utilizing the snowshoes in multiple programs, including a snowshoeing unit in physical education classes, winter ecology and birding excursions related to science standards, teacher-led small group explorations on Passion Project enrichment days, and an after-school nature club led by Mrs. Lenhoff, North will be able to offer many entry points for students to engage.

Among the items to be purchased for North with the grant funds include 60 pairs of children’s snowshoes, six adult-sized snowshoes for staff, 45 pairs of poles, 20 pairs of lined boots, racks to hold the snowshoes, 30 pairs of binoculars, 30 digital cameras, 30 gear bags, 60 outdoor journals, and 20 bird feeders with stands.

“My biggest goals in applying for this grant were to expand hands-on environmental learning with elementary age students and cultivating lifelong nature stewardship by engaging students in meaningful winter outdoor experiences that build respect for local ecosystems,” she said. “With these funds we should be able to go a long way to accomplish that.”

The equipment will be used for activities in and around North Elementary, including the nearby North Woods (McGill Park) and at some point there is hope to visit The Arboretum at Gustavus Adolphus College and also put the new equipment to good use there.

About the DNR’s No Child Left Outside grant program
North was one of 19 projects to receive grant funding through the Minnesota DNR’s No Child Left Outside program out of 133 applicants. Recent and emerging research indicates that students are increasingly disconnected from nature. Getting more youth outdoors is crucial for the future stewardship of Minnesota's natural resources.

The program aims to support and increase efforts to expand programming that connects youth to the outdoors. Originally funded by the 2019 Minnesota Legislature with continued funding from the 2021, 2023 and 2025 legislative sessions, these grants are provided for outdoor environmental, ecological, and other natural-resource-based education and recreation programs serving youth. 

For more information on the program please click HERE!