Department of Conservation and Recreation
Conserve. Protect. Enjoy.
Department of Conservation and Recreation
A meaningful watershed educational experience, or MWEE, should involve students in thinking critically about watersheds. MWEEs are not intended to be quick, one-day activities. Instead, they are projects that allow students to gain a deeper understanding of the issues or topics related to their watershed. These experiences are meant to connect students with their environment and instill a sense of responsibility. Experiences should be learner centered, focused on questions or issues, should involve hands on investigation with analysis and sharing of data. Great MWEEs may lead to sustainable student-led efforts to protect and preserve the environment.
The office of Environmental Education at the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation offers MWEE grants each spring to support the funding of MWEE projects. In 2024, $382,421.00 was awarded across 14 recipients who provided meaningful watershed educational experiences to over 15,400 k-12 Virginia students and supported the instructional efforts of over 425 k-12 Virginia educators. Visit our funding page for the DCR MWEE grant and other opportunities.
Got questions? Reach out to the Office of E.E. at EnvironmentalEducation@dcr.virginia.gov.
Congratulations to our 2024 Recipients and thank you for your dedication to learners across the Commonwealth. Your work fosters deeper connections with Virginia’s watershed and creates positive change in communities.
