Urban Waters & Winter Trails Grant
At St. Paul City School, we believe that nature is one of our greatest classrooms. Launching in the 2026–2027 school year, our Urban Waters & Winter Trails program provides fully funded, hands-on outdoor environmental education and recreation for every student in grades K-12.
By utilizing nearby natural areas like Como Lake and the Mississippi River, this initiative removes traditional barriers to outdoor spaces. It ensures our urban youth gain confidence, outdoor skills, and environmental awareness right here in our community.
Program Experiences by Grade Level
Our program spans across the entire school year and is carefully tailored to each grade level:
Water Explorers (Grades K-5) Monthly outdoor sessions at Como Lake allow younger students to dive into pond studies, bird observation, and nature journaling to build foundational observation skills.
Winter Trails & Ice Fishing (Grades 4-12) Students embrace Minnesota winters through snowshoeing and ice fishing instruction, proudly partnering with the 10,000 Lakes Ice Anglers Project.
River Connections (Grades 6-12) Hands-on spring field studies focus on Mississippi River ecology, water quality, and environmental stewardship.
Cross-Age Mentorship (All Grades) An innovative leadership model features trained high school students helping guide and mentor elementary students during shared outdoor learning days.
Program Partners & Community Support
This comprehensive program is made possible through state grant funding alongside vital local partnerships:
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources No Child Left Inside Grant Program
10,000 Lakes Ice Anglers Project
Como Zoo Conservatory
If you are interested in volunteering or learning more about the program, please contact the main office:
Contact: Jennie Bordonaro
Email: jbordonaro@spcsmn.org
Phone: 651-225-9177
