Local Funding and Support Opportunities

Local groups and organizations are often willing to help with your school’s Habitat Learning Lab project by making financial donations, donating materials, providing volunteers, and/or providing technical assistance with special projects.  When working on developing your school’s Habitat Lab, consider contacting the following groups or organizations:

• Parent-Teacher Associations or Organizations – Parents are often the main volunteers for Habitat Lab build days or work days and can help provide additional support throughout the life of your school’s Habitat Lab.
• School System “Partners-in-Education” Businesses – Ask your principal if your school has a “Partner-in-Education” who may be able to provide financial donations and/or volunteers for your Habitat Lab build days and/or work days.
• Local County Commissioners – County Commissioners can often help secure materials and/or equipment for Habitat Lab work days.
• Local Master Gardener Groups – Master Gardeners are great sources of knowledge who may volunteer their technical assistance for your Habitat Lab build days or work days. They may also be willing to provide speakers or assistance with hands-on gardening activities along with technical advice about the maintenance of your Habitat Lab.
• Local Scout Groups – Some scouts are able to earn their Eagle Scout badge or Gold Star Award by leading a Habitat Lab project. Scouts are also a great source of volunteers for Habitat Lab work days.
• Local Garden Centers – Garden centers in your area may be willing to donate soil components or certain native plant species on the list provided by your Habitat Lab Specialist.
• Plant Rescue Groups – Plant rescue groups may be willing to volunteer their time to assist with building your Habitat Lab and talking with your students about native plants.
• Local Churches – Local churches may be willing to provide volunteers to assist with Habitat Lab build days or work days.
• Alabama Cooperative Extension System – Each county has a variety of ACES agents who can assist with Habitat Learning Lab associated questions. Use the ACES Staff Directory webpage to find the Home Grounds, Gardens, and Home Pests agents in your area.  They can assist with questions about specific plant maintenance or may be willing to present to your students about a topic related to your Habitat Learning Lab.
• Alabama Forestry Commission –The AFC administers environmental education and tree-planting grant programs. Many schools have called on local foresters to help identify trees and advise on the development of nature trails. View the Alabama Forestry Commission website to learn more about their organization and how they might assist your school.
• Natural Resources Conservation Service – Alabama Soil & Water Conservation Committees – The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is a federal agency within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that works with private landowners to help conserve natural resources including soil, water, air, plants and wildlife. Visit the Alabama Soil & Water Conservation Committee website to learn more about this organization.
• Legacy: Partners in Environmental Education – This organization provides environmental education to the citizens of AL while partnering with state and federal agencies, businesses, and environmental groups.  They provide a variety of free environmental education materials upon request.  Visit the Legacy website to learn more about their organization and the Educational Materials they provide.