Duke Energy Foundation Awards Environmental Grants
(photo courtesy of Duke Energy)
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe Duke Energy Foundation has awarded 17 grants totaling $190,000 to programs that support a wide range of environmental efforts across Indiana. The projects are in 13 counties and include programs to support water quality, conservation, and habitat and forest restoration.
The philanthropic arm of Duke Energy Inc. (NYSE: DUK) says it has awarded nearly $1 million in grants over the last five years towards Indiana environmental initiatives. One such grant went to the Blue River Community Program in Shelby County.
“Through the generosity of Duke Energy, we’re able to enhance and revitalize a portion of the Blue River Trail system behind the historic Porter Center by creating a rest area for trail users and a storybook trail for children,” said Jennifer Jones, executive director of the Blue River Community Foundation. “This project will not only serve as a destination for community use and enjoyment, but also preserve and protect the natural resources in Shelbyville for future generations to enjoy.”
The following organizations were awarded 2021 grants:
- The Columbus Park Foundation (Bartholomew County): $10,000 for 200 Trees for 200 Years, a tree planting campaign.
- Civil Town of Clarksville (Clark County): $10,000 for Clarksville Tree Canopy Expansion along the Discovery Trail and Gateway Park
- River Heritage Conservancy (Clark County): $10,000 for creation of the Origin Park Blueway Garden
- Attica Main Street (Fountain County): $10,000 for Ravine Park, Bridges, and Trails Program to improve accessibility for visitors with limited mobility
- Oakland City University (Gibson County): $10,000 for Developing and supporting the Campus Community Garden
- Conner Prairie Museum (Hamilton County): $20,000 for Outdoor Nature Experience and Shoreline Stabilization along the White River where summer campers gain river access.
- Avon Education Foundation (Hendricks County): $8,737 to rebuilt the Avon Outdoor Learning Center Garden where elementary students learn how to grow native plants.
- Parks Foundation of Hendricks City (Hendricks County): $10,000 for the creation of the Native Plant Rain Garden at Pecar Park
- Healthy Communities of Henry County (Henry County): $15,000 for the development and maintenance of the 5.3-mile Honey Creek Trail
- Johnson County Public Library Foundation (Johnson County): $10,000 to build the new Clark Pleasant Branch Nature Trail and Community Garden
- Conservation Law Center (Monroe County): $10,000 for the establishment of the Duke Energy “Grass Roots” Conservation Fellowship, a nine-month student fellowship program for students at the Indiana University Maurer School of Law, who are interested in environmental law.
- Sycamore Land Trust (Monroe County): $10,000 for Beanblossom Bottoms Nature Preserve Public Access Enhancement Project, including repairs to a boardwalk and new fencing.
- Owen County Community Foundation (Owen County): $10,000 for the MYPath New Meadow Biodiversity Project, an effort to transform 11 acres of floodplain into a native botanical garden.
- Blue River Community Foundation (Shelby County): $20,000 for construction of a linear park named Shelby Mills. It will be adjacent to the Porter Center.
- Wolf Park Inc. (Tippecanoe County): $10,000 for creating conservation champions by creating exhibits through Wolf Park and create youth activities.
- Lost Creek Township (Vigo County): $6,267 for improvements to the Lost Creek Township Walking Trail
- Shepherds of Griffin Bike Park (Vigo County): $10,000 for repairs and safety improvements to the Griffin Bike Park Trail