The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has awarded more than $101,000 in grants through the Illinois Biodiversity Field Trip Grant Program, enabling nearly 7,000 students across 34 counties to explore state parks, природ areas, and environmental education sites. The program supports hands-on learning experiences tied to classroom curriculum, covering costs like transportation and substitute teachers. Funded by private donations and administered by the Illinois Conservation Foundation, the initiative has provided over $1.7 million in support since 2001, benefiting more than 146,000 students statewide.