Each year, Port Blakely awards Environmental Education Grants to help teachers create hands-on learning experiences that build on their students' Environmental Education Program experience. Grant funding supports projects, field trips, classroom materials, outdoor learning spaces, and other initiatives that deepen students' understanding of forest ecology, sustainable forestry, and the natural world.
This year, we received a record 11 applications, making it our most competitive grant cycle yet. The creativity and thoughtfulness of the proposals made selecting recipients especially difficult, and we are grateful to every educator who took the time to apply.
We are proud to announce our 2026 recipients:Â
- Investigating Near Shore and Forest Ecosystems: Students will explore forest and near shore ecosystems at Tolmie State Park through a series of field stations. Using Project Learning Tree, Project WET, Since Time Immemorial, Salmon, Canoe STEM, Long Live the Kings curriculum, and microscopes, they will study native plants, habitats, macroinvertebrates, and the connections that keep ecosystems healthy. Â Lacey Elementary | Jacqueline Burdis
- Outdoor Classroom: This project will expand outdoor learning opportunities at an urban school where many students have limited access to nature. Grant funding will provide a handheld microscope, field study materials, spot mats, a planter box, and other supplies that help bring lessons outside. Â Ardenwald Elementary | Shelby Thomas
- Worms to Wonder Tea: Students will use a three tier worm composting system to turn cafeteria food scraps into nutrient rich fertilizer while learning about decomposition, soil health, and the scientific method. They will compare plants treated with worm tea to untreated plants and use their observations to develop evidence based conclusions. Â Ninety One School | Abbie Perrin
- Outdoor Learning Space Teaching Upgrade: Building on an outdoor classroom created through strong community partnerships, this project will add a weather resistant whiteboard and protective cover, giving teachers more opportunities to bring learning outdoors. Â Clarkes Elementary | Patrick Doody
- Scientific Observation Through Nature Journaling: Students will strengthen their observation skills through nature journaling at Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge. Grant funding will provide sketch journals, colored pencils, and watercolor supplies that encourage curiosity, creativity, and a deeper connection to the natural world. Â Littlerock Elementary | Christy Schock
Congratulations to this year's grant recipients, and thank you to every educator who submitted a proposal. Your creativity, passion, and commitment to environmental education continue to inspire us, and we look forward to seeing these projects come to life during the 2026–2027 school year.
To learn more about the Environmental Education Grant Program, visit our Environmental Education Grant page.
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