PLAINFIELD, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) – Seven conservation groups and local governments in the Wabash Valley recently learned that they are recipients of grant money from the Duke Energy Foundation.
According to a press release from the Duke Energy Foundation, the grants are shareholder-funded grants. The conservation groups and local governments are undertaking a wide range of environmental initiatives to enhance parks and greenways, help natural habitats thrive, and expand outdoor recreational and educational opportunities.
“Preserving Indiana’s natural resources – and the special places that bridge connections between Hoosiers and the environment – is at the heart of the work these organizations do every day,” said Stan Pinegar, president of Duke Energy Indiana. “Duke Energy Indiana’s investment will advance their missions – giving them the tools and resources they need to help protect and expand what’s unique to our state and the communities we serve.”
Grants were awarded to the following organizations:
§ City of Vincennes, Parks & Recreation Department (Knox County)
$12,000 for continued revitalization of Gregg Park This grant will support the continued revitalization of one of the city’s largest neighborhood parks – Gregg Park. The City of Vincennes Parks & Recreation Department will leverage the funds to clear 15 stumps and replace 10 trees that have been damaged by storms and decay – improving the park’s landscaping and trails, as well as improving safety for park patrons.
§ Covered Bridge Gateway Trails Association (Parke County)
$2,000 to extend Park Community Rail Trail This grant will support the Covered Bridge Gateway Trails Association’s construction of a bridge to connect portions of the Parke Community Rail Trail, which is being built on the former Pennsylvania Railroad right of way between Rosedale and Rockville. When completed, the trail will be about 10 miles long, providing a safe place for residents to exercise and enjoy the outdoors.
§ Knox County Soil & Water Conservation District (Knox County)
$10,000 for public outreach around watershed planning and implementation projects The Knox County Soil & Water Conservation District and its partner organizations are engaged in watershed planning and implementation projects to improve water quality in the county. These grant funds will be used to support public outreach around the projects through events and activities, mailers, and one-on-one consultations. The goal is to provide project information, solicit participation, and provide educational material on conservation practices designed to reduce or eliminate non-point source pollution and improve water quality.
§ reTHink (Vigo County)
$5,000 to support the group’s Love the Earth campaign This grant will support reTHink’s Love the Earth campaign, which raises funds to maintain four community gardens, as well as support their plastic up-cycling workshop, a zero-waste community store, and various educational activities on waste reduction and conservation.
§ Town of Harmony (Clay County)
$6,000 for the restoration and beautification of Harmony Park This grant will be used to restore and beautify Harmony Park’s walking track and nature trail with a goal of creating a safe and inviting place for the community to enjoy.
§ Vigo County Parks & Recreation Department (Vigo County)
$17,000 to construct a disc golf course at Fowler Park, community building at Griffin Bike Park This grant will support the Vigo County Parks & Recreation Department’s construction of a disc golf course at Fowler Park, as well as a community building at Griffin Bike Park.
§ Vincennes University Foundation (Knox County)
$10,000 to support their environmental land conservation project This grant will support a project aimed at addressing soil erosion at the Vincennes University Agriculture Center by incorporating cover crops into the landscape. The goal is to enhance soil health, reduce erosion, and improve water retention on the land. The funds will be used to purchase high-quality crop seeds – such as clover, rye, and vetch – which will be planted strategically to prevent further soil erosion, improve water infiltration, and increase soil fertility. Funds will also cover costs associated with soil testing to ensure the right mix of cover crops is selected based on the soil’s unique characteristics, as well as ongoing monitoring and maintenance.
For more information about Duke Energy Foundation, visit foundation.duke-energy.com.
