Groups get grants to teach kids about environment

Two Illinois groups are getting federal grants to help teach students about environmental issues. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency awarded $39,000 to Friends of the Fox River in Crystal Lake. Teachers and students will collect data on biological, chemical and physical water trends along the river. Angelic Organics Learning Center in Caledonia will receive more than $18,000 to provide hands-on food and farming activities for 6th- through 12th-graders and their teachers. The EPA grants are awarded annually.