The Elizabeth Schultz Environmental Fund has awarded grants totaling $20,000 to four local efforts to preserve and understand nature.

Receiving the top award was Bonneville Environmental Foundation for a project that involves installing solar electric panels at Southwest Junior High School and teaching students about renewable energy.

Other grants include:

¢ Support for field trips for elementary students to the Wakarusa wetlands through the Jayhawk Audubon Society.

¢ The purchase of land to protect wildlife diversity and a remnant of original prairie through the Kansas University Field Station and Ecological Reserves.

¢ The publication of “Wild Douglas County,” a collection of seasonal guides, charts, maps, essays and other resources by Ken Lassman.

Schultz, who created the environmental fund with the Douglas County Community Foundation, said she hoped the awards would continue to encourage organizations and individuals to create new and innovative ways to support and understand the environment.