KINGSTON, R.I. – December 9, 2009 – Scholarships are now available for elementary schools interested in participating in winter field trips to the Roger Williams Park Botanical Center through the University of Rhode Island’s Learning Landscape program.

Made possible by a donation from the Master Gardener Foundation of Rhode Island, the scholarships will make this environmental education experience available to students in grades K-5 from underserved communities.

The Learning Landscape program invites students to use all of their senses to explore the plants and wildlife that inhabit southern New England in a beautiful tropical atmosphere. Topics such as ecosystems and adaptations, native birds and mammals, plants and seeds, energy 101 and more are presented in a fun and age-appropriate format. Students have the opportunity to plant their own seeds and even feed a venus fly trap.

Learning Landscape field trips can accommodate groups of 15 to 60 students.

The deadline for applying for transportation and admission scholarships for winter field trips (February through March) is February 4th. For more information, teachers should call (401) 874-7142, email vventurini@mail.uri.edu or visit www.uri.edu/cels/ceoc.