BURBANK – With support from State Senator Mike Porfirio, three schools in the 11th District will receive funding from the Illinois Biodiversity Field Trip Grant program administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the Illinois Conservation Foundation.
“Educating students on the importance of conserving the earth and its ecosystems is vital to our state,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “These grants empower students to take field trips that will leave them with lasting memories of nature and will inspire the next generation of scientists in Illinois.”
IDNR awarded more than $101,000 for 108 field trip grants that will allow nearly 7,000 students in 34 counties to visit Illinois state parks, natural areas, museums and other natural resources sites. The competitive grant program allows Illinois teachers to apply for funds to cover expenses such as transportation and substitute teachers.
Since 2001, the program has distributed more than $1.7 million, providing more than 146,000 students the opportunity to take part in a field trip. Grant recipients are located throughout Illinois and represent students from pre-kindergarten through high school.
Three schools in Porfirio’s district received grants:
- Congress Park School in Brookfield – $1,000 for second-grade students to visit Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center in Willow Springs
- Forest Road School in La Grange Park – $2,000 for fourth-grade students to visit Lincoln Marsh in Wheaton
- Harry E. Fry School in Burbank – $650 for fifth-grade students to visit Matthiessen State Park
Teachers can apply online by Jan. 31, 2027 for the next round of field trip funding. For more information about the program, contact the IDNR Division of Education by emailing
