In celebration of Earth Day, NIPSCO awarded environmental action grants to 21 nonprofit organizations.
The grants will support environmental restoration projects and education efforts across northern Indiana. Funding was provided by NIPSCO and the NiSource Charitable Foundation.
The projects focus on habitat restoration, wildlife research, nature programming, pollinator projects, water quality monitoring, education and woods worker safety training. Many projects also aim to encourage residents to experience nature through stewardship and fellowship.
“We are honored to partner with these organizations and contribute to their innovative restoration and education projects across northern Indiana,” said Rick Calinski, NIPSCO director of public affairs and economic development, in a press release. “Their dedication to environmental stewardship is inspiring and will have lasting impacts that will enrich our lives today and ensure a better tomorrow.”
This year’s grant recipients include:
• The Nature Conservancy in Indiana, Festival de la Monarcha, East Chicago
• Saint Mary’s College, Campus Canopy Project’s Living Exhibition
• La Porte County Park Foundation, Habitat Restoration Project
• Indiana Audubon Society, Chasing Melody, Lake and Jasper Counties
• Blue Heron Ministries, Lupine Meadow Expansion at Headacres Farm, Steuben County
• Indiana Dunes Environmental Learning Center, Nat’s Nature Club
• ACRES Land Trust, Lee Family Perfect Lake Nature Preserve Habitat Restoration, Steuben County
• The Outlet Youth Center, Youth Programming, Fulton County
• The Morning Bishop Theatre Playhouse, Summer Youth Environmental Education, Gary
• Indiana Land Protection Alliance, Safety and Woods Worker Training Course
• Sisters of the Holy Cross, Pollinator and Monarch Waystation Habitat Establishment
• Town of Chesterton, Coffee Creek Park Pond Improvements
• DeKalb County Soil and Water Conservation District, Invasive Species Education and Removal
• East Chicago Sanitary District-Stormwater Dept., Rain off McShane, Rain Barrel Project
• Monarch Joint Venture, Cedar Swamp Pollinator Project, Steuben County
• Little River Wetlands, Native Habitat Restoration, Allen County
• Noble County Public Library, Rainscaping Education
• Speaks for the Trees and More, Summer Nature Camp, Allen County
• St. Joseph River Watershed Initiative, Flow the St. Joe
• NICHES Land Trust, Sustainability Outreach
• Augsburg Lutheran Church, Pollinator Habitat, Porter
In the last nine years, NIPSCO’s Environmental Action Grant has funded 143 environmental restoration and education projects across northern Indiana. This year’s grants provide between $500 to $5,000 to each organization selected.
Merrillville-based Northern Indiana Public Service Co. was founded over 100 years ago. NIPSCO serves about 859,000 natural gas and 483,000 electric customers across 32 counties. NIPSCO is one of NiSource’s utility companies. NiSource serves customers through its local Columbia Gas and NIPSCO brands.
