The general assembly recognizes the importance of a citizenry well educated in the principles of nature and our environment, as well as the general assembly’s duty to provide for the preservation, regeneration, and restoration of the natural environment of the state, as enunciated in the constitution of the state of Rhode Island. In light of this, public schools of this state, beginning in kindergarten and continuing through and including grade twelve (12), are encouraged to use their best efforts to provide access to every student to at least one field trip to a nature preserve, reserve, or conservatory.