Outdoor Heritage Fund grantees must contact the DNR commissioner to fulfill a new statutory requirement, which can be met by:
- Reviewing the opportunities below
- Using this form to submit your contact information and receive a confirmation that you have contacted the DNR.
Opportunities for youth
Below is a brief list of DNR programs that may provide the types of opportunities described. These programs typically do not have as their primary purpose “training and education to racially, ethnically, and economically diverse youth in the practical implementation of conservation practices” so OHF grantees will have to coordinate individually with DNR staff responsible for each program.
The DNR also advises OHF grantees to reach out to youth organizations statewide who might also offer “training and education to racially, ethnically, and economically diverse youth in the practical implementation of conservation practices.” A brief list of these organizations is also included below. Please contact the DNR if you have suggested additions to this list.
DNR programs
No Child Left Inside: NCLI grants support efforts to expand programming that connects youth to the outdoors. Grantees – for example schools, nonprofits, and local governments – are listed on the website. OHF grantees could explore options such as field trips or speaking opportunities for recipient organizations in their geographic area or otherwise a good match. Contact: NCLI.
Scientific and Natural Areas: Minnesota Scientific and Natural Areas welcome volunteers to join their stewardship events. Contact: SNA program
School forests: A school forest is an outdoor classroom where students learn and apply math, art, science, language arts and social studies while gaining an appreciation and awareness of natural resources. The School Forest program can provide land management support. Contact: School forests.
Project Learning Tree, Project WET and Project WILD: Project Learning Tree, Project WET and Project WILD offer curriculum for youth and are administered in Minnesota by the DNR. Contact: See program web pages.
Learn more by visiting the DNR's clearinghouse for natural resources education.
Partner programs
The Minnesota Association for Environmental Education's Environmental Education Portal connects to additional partners and opportunities across the state.