The Diack Ecology Education Program was establihed in s1993 by the late Dr. Arch Diack and his family. Funds are awarded to assist "hands-on" programs which involve Oregon children, K-12 in regularly scheduled field based study which emphases analytical thought, especially programs in which the students’ work has community visibility and is connected to community interest or goals.

Grants usually do not exceed $1,500 and are awarded for projects which study any aspect of the local environment by taking advantage of close study opportunities. Funds have been used for a variety of items such as microscopes, safety glasses, soil test kits, rock hammers, boots, field study books, cameras, backpacks, compasses, binoculars, water test kits, specimen collection supplies, etc.

Applying for a grant is a two-step process. The first step is a letter (see GRANT GUIDELINES). After the Diack committee reviews the application a member of the Diack grant committee contacts the teacher and suggests changes if necessary for approval.

The Diack Program especially supports projects which will become part of the daily school program. An example would be a proposal to study a site close to the school or to "adopt" or develop such a site. Funds ordinarily are not approved for substitute teachers or transportation. There are no funding deadlines.