(Minneapolis, MN, May 18, 2010)- On May 15, 2010 Governor Pawlenty signed a bill into law that approved funds for 71 projects that focus on protecting Minnesota’s environment and natural resources, totaling $26.1 million. The funding comes from profits generated from Minnesota’s State Lottery that are put into a trust fund constitutionally dedicated to state environmental and natural resource projects. $250,000 of those dollars were allocated to the Will Steger Foundation for a project entitled, Engaging Students in Environmental Stewardship through Adventure Learning.

Senator Ellen Anderson, an author on the bill noted that, “…the Trust Fund can ensure support for the types of efforts represented in these projects, despite state budget issues, is evidence of the firm priority and commitment that Minnesotans have placed on protecting our state’s outdoors for current and future generations.”

The $250,000 allocated to the Will Steger Foundation will support the development of a new curriculum, teacher training, online learning and collaboration with schools. The focus of the project will be on investigating the connection between Minnesota’s changing climate and the impacts on ecosystems and natural resources. Outcomes will include the development, evaluation, and implementation of an adventure learning climate change education program, which ties Will Steger’s adventures with engaging content on Minnesota’s natural environment and the impacts of climate change.

The program includes: a) Grades 3-12 curriculum that is reviewed by educators, aligned with Minnesota state standards, and is interdisciplinary, and experiential in nature; b) professional development opportunities for over 300 Minnesota educators through our Summer Institutes for Climate Change Education, c) an online classroom, including multi-media resources and social networking features; and d) evaluation.

The project will begin July 1, 2010 and be completed by June 30, 2013. For more information on LCCMR please visit, www.lccmr.leg.mn.