The Illinois Conservation Foundation is giving nearly $10,000 to four groups to help to try to get more young people interested in outdoor activities.

The largest award from the not-for-profit fundraising group goes to the Illinois Department of Natural Resource's education division. The money will be used for the annual "Earth Day in the Park" program.

For the “Earth Day in the Parks” program, students and teachers participate in one-day stewardship projects at Illinois state parks.  Approximately 2,000 students are expected to participate.  Students learn the importance of habitat to wildlife and are encouraged to return to the parks to check on the progress of the habitat enhancement work they do.

The $10,000 total money awarded this year is down from a few years ago ... in 2009 the ICF awarded over $32,000 to grant recipients.  Then only $10,000 to two recipients in 2010.  And finally $10,000 to four recipients in 2011.

The ICF took grant applications from around the state until the June 1st deadline and the ICF Grant Program is supported by private donations, including funds raised at the annual Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame banquet.

For more information on the grant program, contact the Illinois Conservation Foundation, One Natural Resources Way, Springfield, IL 62702-1271, phone 217-785-2003.

(The Associated Press contributed to this story.)