Funded ProjectsKansas Students Experience Hands-on Environmental Learning

The Dyck Arboretum of the Plains, located in Hesston, Kan., trains K-12 teachers to restore prairie gardens on school grounds as a part of their Earth Partnership for Schools Program. Teachers and students study the model prairie and then plan, plant, maintain and research their prairie gardens as hands-on schoolyard learning laboratories.

With a $2,500 Chris Mikesell Foundation grant, nearly 400 new students will learn about their Kansas natural and cultural history through education about native plants, wildlife, soils and water. Armed with this knowledge, the program aims to help students grow into better environmental decision makers and more competent future leaders.

The Mikesell Family is happy to provide this grant in Chris’ memory. He loved to experience nature and fostering that same love in other children is a top priority for the Foundation.

Click here to read a thank you note from the Dyck Arboretum of the Plains.