CHERRY HILL, NJ, Oct. 6, 2009 -- New Jersey American Water has announced the winners of its 2009 Environmental Grant Program. Three organizations will receive grants totaling $10,400 for projects that address water source or watershed protection.
A panel of judges from New Jersey American Water chose the following recipients based on criteria such as project goals, project impact, innovation, design, collaboration, sustainability, and community engagement among other requirements.
The Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore - Farmingdale
The grant will support the Girl Scouts Ground Water Festival in Farmingdale, NJ on November 22. At the festival, the scouts will construct a rain water run-off garden, create educational videos and develop activities to educate the community about the importance of ground water protection.
Friends of the Rogers Refuge - Princeton
The Friends of the Rogers Refuge will use the grant to restore a habitat for birds and enhance access for birders. The project will increase water flow from the Refuge's upper marsh to its lower marsh, help control forest encroachment and maintain a wet meadow, reduce phragmites and invasive species, and improve paths and signage to increase awareness of the Refuge.
Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge - Medford
Grant funding will benefit collaboration between the Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge and the Haines Memorial Sixth Grade Center in Medford. The refuge and the school have developed a pilot program to protect and increase the population of American kestrels, a species vital to the watershed ecosystem. The program will establish an educational program on the history of the American kestrel, watershed ecology classes, and construction of nesting boxes.
New Jersey American Water's Environmental Grant Program provides funding to organizations which engage in activities that improve a community's water supply or improve, restore or protect watersheds, or promote water conservation. Such projects may include wildlife habitat improvement, storm water management, wellhead protection initiatives, watershed cleanups, rain garden projects, water conservation or reforestation efforts.
About New Jersey American Water
New Jersey American Water, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Water, is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately 2.5 million people. Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest investor-owned U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs more than 7,000 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to approximately 15 million people in 32 states and Ontario, Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com.
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