By Roslyn Imrie and Lowell Collins
The Ozark Society Youth Grant program has been empowering young people to take environmental action into their own hands for four years. The committee recently approved eight projects with 459 participants for a total of $8,409 ranging from $430 – $1,750.
Approved projects include four related to native gardens, butterfly habitat, and riparian restoration from Ft Smith Southside High School, Ozark Riverways Foundation, West Fork Public Library, and James River Basin Partnership. Springdale Tyson Middle School was awarded funds to produce environmental films to share with their peers. The Heritage High School project focused on composting the schools’ food waste while the Eco-Fashion Club at Fayetteville High School was awarded funds for their textile recycling project. Learning more about bats and creating bat houses is the goal for Malvern Schools.
The Youth Grants program was created to inspire the next generation to take part in protecting the Ozarks and nearby natural areas. Since its inception in 2020, thirty-three proposals totaling $50,782 have created opportunities for 7,500 children from kindergarten to 12th grade. Engaging youth in hands-on conservation and environmental stewardship is a key component of the Ozark Society’s mission.
The next youth grant application period for 2024-25, will open November 3, 2024 and close February 1, 2025. The OS Youth Grant Program has achieved recognition in the environmental education community over the past 5 years. In order to sustain funding for the successful program, a funding and marketing committee has been established from which we will be reaching out to members for support. Donations to the OS Youth Grant Program can be made at https://www.ozarksociety.net/donations/
The Youth Grant Committee:
Roslyn Imrie, OS Grant Committee Chair. osfoundationgrants@gmail.com
Lowell Collins, OS Grant Committee Co-Chair, ossugarcreek@gmail.com
Perry Hill, Bayou Chapter; Don House, Highlands Chapter; Sue Hubbard, Sugar Creek Chapter; Sabine Schmidt, Highlands Chapter; Sophia Stephenson, AEEA; Laura Timby, Buffalo River Chapter