Senator Zaffirini Announces Funding to Connect Children with Natural Resources
Written by admin, Dec 21, 2010, 0 Comments
Courtesy Will Krueger,
(AUSTIN) — Senator Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, announced today (Tuesday) that Webb County will receive a $30,000 grant from the Texas Community Outdoor Outreach Program (CO-OP). The grant will allow Webb County to sponsor a series of state park visits for approximately 650 schoolchildren, including low-income, minority and at-risk children and children with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
“Some of the children who will participate have never been outside of Laredo or to a state park other than Lake Casa Blanca International State Park,” Senator Zaffirini said. “I am delighted that so many will benefit from this wonderful opportunity to learn interactively by experiencing Texas‘ outdoor treasures.”
Since 1998 Webb County has utilized CO-OP funding to partner with local schools, community centers and higher education institutions to help children engage with the environment and learn about Texas’ important natural resources. Children in the program interact with park rangers and participate in activities including fishing, hiking and environmental education and conservation programs.
The CO-OP program is administered by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
SENATOR JUDITH ZAFFIRINI visits with Girl Scouts at Lamar Bruni Vergara Middle School. As Chair of the Senate Higher Education Committee, she promotes opportunities for students to interact with the environment and learn the importance of conservation.
