3M Eco Grant awarded to Cincinnati Nature Center | News

MILFORD, OH (FOX19) - – Cincinnati Nature Center (CNC) is the recipient of a $50,000 Eco Grant award from 3M Corporation.

This gift will support CNC’s innovative school program in 2013 which will serve approximately 4,000 K-8 grade students. 3M will be making the check presentation on Monday, January 28 at 11:00 a.m. at Cincinnati Nature Center Rowe Woods Visitor Center.

“Every child should have the opportunity for direct, hands-on experience in nature,” said Bill Hopple, CNC Executive Director. “Engagement in nature can enhance the educational experience for life, producing better students and future nature enthusiasts.”

Research suggests that students who spend regular time outdoors tend to be more creative and better problem-solvers.  In addition, when the natural environment is integrated into all aspects of a school curriculum, students show an increase in reading, math, science and social studies test scores.  To that end, CNC’s school program provides a range of nature experiences for both students and teachers, including: nature immersion field trips, in-school presentations, teacher nature training and retreats, as well as collaborative professional development opportunities. 

“CNC was selected for its ability to connect science, technology, engineering and math education with outdoor learning opportunities,” stated Don Barnes, Human Resources Manager at 3M in Milford, OH. “3M is committed to sustainability, and organizations like Cincinnati Nature Center are helping to connect the future workforce to nature and science.  We are proud to support CNC in its efforts to enhance environmental education through our $50,000 award.”

3M’s generosity demonstrates that they recognize the critical role nature education plays in our next generation.  According to Hopple, “gifts like these from our local business leaders help strengthen the bonds between the community and the land, and provide thousands of students with the knowledge they'll need as adults to solve the world's complex environmental problems.”