CENTREVILLE – Each year, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources selects schools across the state to receive grants for field trips. This year, Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) is congratulating St. John the Baptist School in Smithton on being selected as a winner.
“I am incredibly grateful that the students at St. John the Baptist School were chosen for this opportunity,” Belt said. “This program offers students an excellent chance to expand their learning outside of the classroom.”
The program allows schools to take students to state parks, museums, and other natural resource locations to gain hands-on experience with nature and conservation in Illinois.
Students at the St. John the Baptist School, from Kindergarten to 8th Grade, will take a trip to the Washington County State Recreation Area, a 900-acre state park. At the State Recreation Area, students will have the chance to experience some of what they are learning about Illinois’ natural resources and biodiversity outside of the classroom.
More information about the Illinois Biodiversity Field Trip Grant Program is available from the IDNR Division of Education at