Budget Would Eliminate Board That Focuses On Environmental Education

Educators are worried about a proposed state budget cut that would eliminate an educational board focusing on instruction about the environment.

The Wisconsin Environmental Education Board has given schools, tribes and others nearly $5 million in grants over the last decade for things like outdoor classrooms, prairie restoration and field trips. Board member Betsy Parker of the Wisconsin Alliance of Environmental Education supports the grants.

She paraphrased the environmentalist Aldo Leopold when expressing that support: “If you can get kids out on the land just to see it, then they’re more likely to enjoy it, love it and care for it.”

Parker said the Environmental Education Board has also leveraged another $5 million in spending from other sources.

State funding would also be cut for the Department of Public Instruction’s environmental education consultant.

The governor’s office didn’t respond to a request for comment.