La Crosse students now can learn about pioneer life and wetlands from Norskedalen Nature and Heritage Center - without ever leaving their classrooms.

A $500 La Crosse Public Education Foundation Venture Grant funded two mobile classrooms that let the Coon Valley-based center deliver a hands-on curriculum to La Crosse schools, said Chris Hall, education coordinator at Norskedalen.

Pioneer Life is filled with artifacts from early settlers, while Wetland Wonders looks at invertebrates through microscopes.

"Our real goal, of course, is to have the kids come out on a field trip and follow up with Pioneer Life or Wetland Wonders," Hall said. "But with the way budgets are, field trips are kind of getting cut back, and this gives students some experience with wetlands and pioneer history without having to go through the expense of a bus and getting everyone out there."

Venture Grants are awarded annually by the La Crosse Public Education Foundation to innovative projects that will benefit La Crosse School District students. Executive Director Geva Thole said anyone who wants to work with district staff can apply.

"They bring services to the kids that they wouldn't otherwise come across," Thole said.

Applications for this year's grants are due Friday, and an application can be found online at www.lpefonline.org. Awards range from $100 to $3,000 and will be announced Jan. 25.

For more information, call Thole at (608) 787-0226.