$75,000 Federal Grant Means More Green For Green Education In Baltimore

BALTIMORE (WJZ)—It's a big investment in little kids--$75,000 worth.

Alex DeMetrick reports it's a grant from the federal EPA and a bet on a greener future.

Baltimore third graders were brought outside for an environmental lesson. But that wasn't all.

"Everybody gets excited when I bring money," said Shawn Garvin.

The EPA regional administrator presented $75,000 to be exact.

A lot of it will be spent in the Masonville Cove Environmental Education Center, where buffer zones and new trees have replaced a south Baltimore landfill.

The money will allow more area school kids a glimpse at environmental basics.

"Bring those students not just out to the schoolyard, but out here to Masonville Cove, where they have very hands-on learning experiences," said Lorraine Warnick, Masonville Cove director.

This lesson is kind of like environmental dominoes, as lessons spread outward from children.

"You then become the teachers. You're the ones who go home to your families and to your communities, and you are able to tell them all the things you learned while you were out here," Garvin said.

Things like "salt in the saltwater," one little girl said.

"How to use the microscope," said another.

"People are littering, like potato chips. And the potato chips are getting carried by the water. Sometimes the fish don't know that trash isn't food, so they just eat it and get sick," said Romy Dranados, third grader.

It's a lesson that floats in the same cove that a snowy egret also stalks. A sign of how things can get better, carried forward on small backs.

The $75,000 grant will allow 600 elementary students from Baltimore take part in the environmental education program.

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