Discover the Outdoors: Connecting Students to the Natural World
A lifelong passion for conservation can be established with just one quality outdoor experience. Since its inception in 2013, the Discover the Outdoors field trip grant program has given more than 17,000 students the chance to visit an Indiana state park or reservoir. By providing Hoosier students with hands-on learning opportunities, the program helps establish a connection with the natural world and inspire the next generation of conservation leaders.
“Discover the Outdoors field trips give kids an opportunity to see what a wonderful diversity of natural resources Indiana has to offer,” said Ginger Murphy, deputy director for stewardship for Indiana State Parks. “Every field trip is an opportunity to spur curiosity and inspire the kids to be park users as adults.”
Students explore Brown County State Park on a Discover the Outdoors field trip.
The fund was established in memory of longtime DNR employee Tom Huck. Huck believed in the power of getting kids outdoors. An advocate for the DNR’s interpretive programs, he dedicated much of his career to supporting the work the naturalists do to educate and inspire DNR property visitors.
“Tom was always amazed at the level of talent and innovation the interpreters put into the educational work they did,” said Kathy Huck, his widow. “He just wanted to help the interpreters and often lobbied to get funds into the programs.”
Huck’s support of his fellow Indiana DNR employees went beyond advocating for programs. He was a generous friend and great leader to many within DNR, noted Murphy. Huck would often host interpreters at he and Kathy’s home to provide a space for ideas and innovation. After a day of discussion, guitars would come out and music and stories would be shared well into the evening.
Huck’s influence inspired the Discover the Outdoors fund after his passing in 2007. The program took its current form in 2013 and began by awarding 16 grants in its first year. Since then, field trips have visited almost every Indiana State Parks property and provided memorable experiences to thousands of Hoosiers.
Through generous support from partners and donors, the Discover the Outdoors program has flourished. The Indiana Master Naturalist (IMN) program is one group that has supported Discover the Outdoors. The IMN Advisory Council believes that getting youth into state parks sets a strong foundation for future stewards of our public lands. The contribution from the IMN Advisory Council in 2013 allowed for a boost in the grants awarded during the first year, added Murphy.
By the end of the 2022-23 school year, students from 21 different schools will have experienced a day at an Indiana State Park property. From visits to Indiana Dunes State Park in the northwest corner of the state down to Falls of the Ohio State Park along the Ohio River, the field trips will showcase the array of natural diversity within Indiana.
Students enjoying their time at Indiana Dunes State Park.
Each trip is a chance to experience the rich natural and cultural wonders Indiana has to offer. The field trips allow educators to work closely with park staff to construct a special learning experience for the students. The grants, awarded up to $250, help fund fees and classroom supplies related to the trip. The ideas discussed support science, social studies, and other academic concepts taught in the classroom.
For many students, the field trip will be their first opportunity to explore an Indiana State Park. The expanded concepts and hands-on experiences may just prompt a student to follow in Tom Huck’s footsteps and become a lifelong supporter of conservation and outdoor education.
We can fund these important educational trips and more thanks to our generous donors. Help us show the next generation the importance of conservation by donating today.
Discover the Outdoors applications are accepted May 1 – June 30 each year. Any educator in a school, school district, or home school group can apply.