Alabama 4-H Receives $50,000 from Monsanto Fund to Support Environmental Education

Alabama 4-H has received a $50,000 grant from the Monsanto Fund, the philanthropic arm of Monsanto Company, to help teach youth environmental education.

Monsanto’s donation will help construct an interactive educational display for the Coosa River Science School taught in the Alabama 4-H Environmental Science Education Center at the Alabama 4-H Center on Lay Lake in Shelby County.

“We are very grateful that the Monsanto Fund, long known for their support of youth, the environment and education, has joined with us to support Alabama 4-H,” said Jack Odle, chairman of the Alabama 4-H Club Foundation board of directors. “Their gift will support the ongoing mission of Alabama 4-H and ensure that Alabama youth are taught sound science environmental education. We appreciate their generosity.”

“We are pleased to help Alabama 4-H teach youth about protecting and enhancing our nation’s greatest natural resource,” said Deborah J. Patterson, President of Monsanto Fund. “The Monsanto Fund is dedicated to environmental education and conservation of natural resources and we are glad to help an organization as worthy as Alabama 4-H.”

The display will be of the Coosa River watershed system. It will allow staff to teach youth and adults about watersheds, ecosystems and indigenous animals’ natural habitats. A central part of the display will focus on Lay Lake, including a 600-gallon freshwater aquarium to house native species from the lake. The display will also include aquariums and terrariums for live animals.

“This display will be an integral part of the teaching program of the Coosa River Science School and the Alabama 4-H Environmental Science Education Center and will help youth develop a stronger knowledge of the environment,” said Kristy Abrams, environmental education coordinator of the Coosa River Science School.
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About the Monsanto Fund
Since its establishment in 1964, the Monsanto Fund’s philanthropic goal has been to bridge the gap between people's needs and their available resources. We want to help people realize their dreams, and hopefully inspire them to enroll others in their vision.

For more information, go online to http://www.monsantofund.org/asp/welcome.asp.

About Alabama 4-H
For 100 years, Alabama 4-H has been a guiding force in the lives of youth, instilling in them leadership, citizenship and life skills. Today, more than 58,000 Alabama youth statewide participate in a variety of educational programs to learn belonging, independence, generosity and mastery. The focus of 4-H is using educational programs to encourage youth to become productive citizens with positive character and leadership skills.

Today, Alabama 4-H has changed in scope and programs into the state’s most effective youth development organization. Alabama 4-H reaches kids ages 9-19 through in-school programs, special interest programs, traditional club programs and competitive events.

Alabama 4-H began its Centennial celebrations this fall. For more information, go online to http://www.alabama4h.com.

Posted by dreynold at October 30, 2008 09:40 AM | TrackBack