ALBANY COUNTY — The Albany County Soil and Water Conservation District invites all schools in the county to apply for funding through its School Assistance Program.

The program allows students to do conservation projects for educational purposes or for resource protection such as outdoor classroom demonstrations. Funding is limited.

Faculty and staff members of public, private, and alternative schools are eligible to apply for mini-grants of $1,000 to $5,000. School districts are eligible to receive one mini-grant per school even if there are multiple facilities at the same location.

Faculty and staff are urged to work together on proposals that will benefit as many of their district’s students as possible, so as not to be competing against one another for available funds. The application deadline is May 1, and award letters will be sent out by May 22.

Funded projects must be completed by Nov. 30. Funding is issued as a reimbursement for project expenses.

Projects may vary but must have tangible outcomes such as miles of hiking trails or a number of native trees and shrubs installed.  Project proposals should be related to conservation or conservation education. 

Examples could include educational trail construction or renovations, educational signs or brochures, native wildflower plantings, high-tunnel growing systems, composting or soil health practices, rain barrels, installation of a rain garden, agriculture, construction or installation of habitat for wildlife, or possibly the purchase of an educational model or tools for research projects.

To obtain an application or for more information call 518-765-7923 or email ACSWCD@gmail.com.