This spring, educators and naturalists from Polk County Conservation will promote environmental stewardship to students at Studebaker Elementary and McCombs Middle School on Des Moines’ south side, Keep Iowa Beautiful announced. The program, “Getting Kids Outdoors,” is funded by a $3,500 mini-grant from the state of Iowa’s Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) program. Students will explore an outdoor classroom developed by Polk County Conservation at Fort Des Moines Park, which is within walking distance of both schools. Keep Iowa Beautiful’s educational outreach program, Teachers Going Green, was developed to help teachers feel more comfortable in taking their students outdoors and involving them in experiential and project-based learning. “Education of and understanding our relationship to the natural world and its values is important to developing future leaders to protect and enhance our wonderful Iowa parks and natural landscapes,” said Gerry Schnepf, executive director of Keep Iowa Beautiful.