Grades 4 and 5 students from Sudbury's École St-Denis got a first-hand lesson in ecology at the Delki Dozzi Community Food Forest just before school ended. The field trip was part of a broader initiative that received a significant boost: a local non-profit has secured a $217,000 grant to expand its outdoor education program.
Grant Details and Impact
The funding, announced on July 3, 2026, will allow the organization to develop new curriculum modules and reach more students across the region. The program focuses on hands-on learning in natural settings, teaching children about ecosystems, food systems, and environmental stewardship.
According to program coordinators, the grant will support the hiring of additional educators, purchase of equipment, and creation of new outdoor classroom spaces. The Delki Dozzi Community Food Forest, where the recent lesson took place, serves as a living laboratory for students to explore biodiversity and sustainable agriculture.
Community Response
"This grant is a game-changer for our program," said a spokesperson for the non-profit. "It allows us to bring more students into nature and inspire the next generation of environmental leaders." The organization plans to partner with local schools to integrate outdoor education into the standard curriculum.
The $217,000 grant comes from a provincial fund aimed at promoting environmental education and youth engagement. Officials noted that the program aligns with broader goals of increasing ecological literacy and fostering connections between children and the natural world.
