With the public’s help in choosing nonprofit environmental projects, Indianapolis Power and Light Company (IPL) announced their recipients of the 2012 Golden Eagle Environmental Grants. Accepting the grants of $10,000 each are: B&O Trail Association, Inc., Camptown, Inc., and the Indiana Historical Society. Receiving grants of $1,000 each are five other environmental projects.
B&O Trail Association, Inc. plans to connect the gap between two areas of the B&O Trail in Hendricks County known as the abandoned railroad corridor. Many bicyclists and trail users do not use the trail because of how dangerous the gap can be. Purchase of the 7.4 acre gap will expand the park land in Hendricks County.
Camptown, Inc. provides education in conservation with actual nature experiences to over 3,000 Marion County youths. Communities have benefited from the youths actively participating in caring for the environment. With programs such as “How Wild is your School” and Eco Camp day, the youths learn about recycling through hands-on experiences.
Through the “You Are There” series, The Indiana Historical Society gives guests a realistic and interactive view of local flooding and the environmental effects. While learning history, visitors can talk to interpreters about the elements of a flood.
Five runners-up were also chosen to receive $1,000 from IPL include: Binford Redevelopment and Growth, Haven Garden, Indy Urban Acres, Millersville at Fall Creek Valley, Inc., and Windridge Condominium Homeowners Association.
Binford Redevelopment and Growth plans to purchase lots for a green space nature park. Haven Garden provides shelter to over 1,200 women and children in emergency situations each year. Indy Urban Acres grows and harvests organic produce on an 8 acre farm. Millersville at Fall Creek Valley, Inc. will transform an acre of pond and land with a path, a boardwalk, and benches. Windridge Condominium Homeowners Association plans for a green infrastructure to solve an environmental storm water problem.
