New Hampshire teachers interested in starting wildlife habitat projects in their schoolyards are eligible for start-up funds from the state. New Hampshire Fish and Game provides mini grants of up to $300, or $600 with matching funds, for projects allowing students and educators to enhance habitat for people and wildlife, according to a press release from the department.

The state is looking for projects that can be measured in acres improved or protected for wildlife. The grant program is funded by the Conservation License Plate fund, through the Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Program at N.H. Fish and Game.

Teachers and other educators trained in Project WILD and/or Project HOME “Homes for Wildlife in the Schoolyard,” or who have a member of one of these programs on their team, are eligible to apply.

“We’re looking for student-driven action projects that will directly benefit wildlife,” says Marilyn Wyzga, coordinator of the Project HOME schoolyard habitat program at Fish and Game. “Projects with the best chance of long-term success involve schools assembling a team of staff, students, community members and resource professionals.”

Past projects funded by Wildlife Action Grants include 10 bat boxes installed along the Dead River and grasses planted for vegetative cover in runoff areas at Berlin High School; a bird and pollinator garden with native and ornamental plants, feeders and feeding stations at St. Anthony’s School in Manchester; four pollinator gardens at Beaver Meadow School in Concord; and plantings of perennials, shrubs, grasses and groundcovers for food sources and nesting to create additional habitat for songbirds and insects at Epsom Central School.

The deadline for submitting proposals for the Homes for Wildlife Action Grant is Nov. 15. For a proposal packet, write to Marilyn Wyzga, Public Affairs Division, N.H. Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, N.H. 03301; e-mail This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it ; or call 603-271-3211.