Columbia-Greene Community College awarded $46K for environmental education

HUDSON―New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced grants totaling $964,468 for 14 projects to help communities along the Hudson River Estuary protect drinking water, enhance environmental education, and improve stewardship of natural resources.

Among the recipients is Columbia-Greene Community College (C-GCC).

The college was awarded $46,124 for "Community Capstone Project Experience," to enhance training for the next generation of environmental educators while making field trips more accessible for students in grades K–12 visiting the Hudson River Estuary.

Funding for DEC's Hudson River Estuary Grants Program advances and complements New York’s nation-leading efforts to bolster the state’s preparedness amidst frequent extreme weather events.

“The 14 projects awarded Hudson River Estuary grants will help municipalities and partner organizations invest in planning, stewardship, and environmental education activities that will contribute to a greener, healthier, and more sustainable future for the region,” said DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton.

The program is supported by New York State's Environmental Protection Fund, a critical resource for environmental programs such as land acquisition, farmland protection, invasive species prevention and eradication, recreation access, water quality improvement, and environmental justice projects.

More than 90% of this year’s grant awards are located in areas identified as disadvantaged communities most vulnerable to pollution and climate impacts.