Supporters of Outdoor School say they have a plan to save the program. The Portland Public Schools proposed budget released last month eliminates the popular environmental program.

Outdoor School boosters announced Thursday that the East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District is offering $150,000.

Rick Till sits on that agency’s board.

“I’m very optimistic that we can close the gap for this school year. But the future is still uncertain, and this buys us time to find long-term solutions.”

The Conservation District’s money is contingent on a similar commitment from Portland Public Schools. District officials say they’d like to help, but haven’t found their share of the money yet.

Outdoor School supporters say they’re also talking to the Metro regional government and the soil and water district in West Multnomah County.

Portland Public Schools negotiated a deal last week with its teachers’ union and the city of Portland to maintain 110 teaching positions.

This story originally appeared on Oregon Public Broadcasting.