coastal Wildlife Refuge Society

Supporting Northeastern North Carolina's National Wildlife Refuges

                                                  Educational Grant Program through Coastal Wildlife Refuge Society

                                    (Teachers scroll down and click on 'click here' to download CWRS Educational Grant forms)

The Coastal Wildlife Refuge Society (CWRS) is the non-profit support group for Alligator River and Pea Island National Wildlife Refuges  One of the major goals of CWRS is to foster educational opportunities for K-12 groups, utilizing the resources of the refuges for educational enrichment and encouraging students to explore the riches of these coastal environments.

To achieve this goal, CWRS has two targeted grant programs available to K-12 public and private institutions.

The first is for educational field trips to either Pea Island or Alligator River Refuges that are limited in scope and duration, typically for a single session on the refuge. CWRS will provide support for transportation costs associated with each outing.

The second targeted program addresses those educational ventures that are of longer duration and focus on a specific educational objective(s) that require multiple outings on the refuge. A typical proposal would be one in which students investigate changes in the environment over time, collecting data and making records of their observations. For these ventures, the CWRS will support transportation costs as well as targeted equipment and supplies (not available through the refuge) that are essential to meet the objectives of the proposed work. The costs of supplies and equipment cannot exceed 25% of the total proposal costs. Candidates are encouraged to inquire regarding equipment (e.g., waders, GPS, etc.) that can be provided.

For both categories of funding, CWRS places a priority on the following:

-Engaging as many students as possible across all grade levels and counties in eastern North Carolina
-Covering transportation costs for refuge-sponsored activities and participation in Wildfest, or other nature events
-Encouraging longer-term projects that foster exploration and appropriate levels of discovery and record keeping (i.e., digital, photographic, web-based, GPS)
-Interfacing the outings with the staff of Pea Island and Alligator River Refuges by contacting the Visitor Services administrator Steve Brumfield.

-Disseminating the products of the excursions and research to a broader community using electronic (e.g., web based), visual (display boards), seminars, and traditional media (e.g., newspapers)
-Accountability of the activities through interaction with the CWRS K-12 grant staff such that all parties are engaged to maximize the value of the endeavor.

Since funds are limited, proposals will be considered on a “first come, first serve” basis.

For further information regarding these two opportunities, please contact:

Steve Brumfield

steven_brumfield@fws.gov

252-473-1132 X 40142 (office)

252-216-9464 (mobile)

Teachers and grant candidates please read the instructions below carefully and submit the following grant forms, click here

1. Complete pages 1 and 2 of CWRS Educational Grant application form. The grant amount you request should be your best estimate. You will submit the final exact grant amount after your grant project is complete.

When you've completed pages 1 & 2, scan and email or fax the pages to:

Steve Brumfield

steven_brumfield@fws.gov

252-473-1668 (fax)

252-473-1132 X 40142 (voice)

2. Your grant application will be distributed to CWRS educational grant committee. Normally within 5-7 days you will either receive grant approval or will be asked or further information if needed. Please be sure your email and phone contacts are clear and readable on your grant application.

3. Complete your grant project/field trip.

4. Gather any invoices/receipts you have to substantiate your grant amount request (i.e school bus driver charges, supplies receipts, etc.) and complete page #3 of CWRS Educational Grant application.

Scan and email or fax the following to Steve Brumfield (at above contact info):

 A. Completed page 3 of your CWRS Educational Grant application

 B. Any invoices and/or receipts to substantiate your grant request total.

 C. Give us the CWRS Educational grant total you are now requesting. This is often different from your original estimated amount.

 D. To whom should the grant payment check be made? 

 E. To what address should payment be sent?

Steps for A Successful Field Trip

Step 1- Familiarize yourself with the refuge you are planning to visit - Review refuge information and maps of the area. Share this information with those involved with the trip.  If possible, have a teacher(s) visit the refuge or visitor center before the field trip to become familiar with the facilities.

Step 2- Schedule your field trip - Contact Visitor Services Administrator, Steve Brumfield,  steven_brumfield@fws.gov  252-473-1132 X 224 to schedule a field trip for your group.

Step 3- Confirm Your Visit - Confirm details about your field trip with . Go over the details including your trip schedule with all of your teachers and chaperones before the field trip. 

Step 4- Prepare Your Students - Have each teacher review with their students acceptable behavior and the proper clothing to wear at the refuge.  Plan to wear sneakers or closed-toe shoes if you are going to be walking outside.  A hat, sunglasses, and insect repellent will make the trip more enjoyable.  Water is only available at the National Wildlife Refuges Visitor Center. Plan on providing water for your students if your trip is out on one of the refuges.  It is always recommended to be prepared for changing weather conditions.  Plan to wear something comfortable when in the outdoors so you can best enjoy your visit to the refuge. There are limited picnic facilities at the refuges. You might bring blankets or towels if you will be staying on the premises for lunch.

Step 5- Arrive at the Refuge - In order to protect the refuge and to provide students with high-quality experiences, please adhere to the following guidelines: maximum number of students is 30. If your group exceeds 30 students, please plan to split up into smaller groups. Arrange this ahead of time with Steve Brumfield.

Grades Pre-K-3: adult-to-student ratio of 1:5 required.

Grades 4+: adult-to-student ratio of 1:10 required.

Last updated 4-3-23