Township receives environmental grant from water firm
EAST PIKELAND » East Pikeland Township has received a $10,000 grant from Pennsylvania American Water for its Hidden River Park & Preserve Riparian Corridor Revitalization project.
This funding, which was granted as part of the company’s 2022 Environmental Grant Program, will go toward a riparian revitalization project with native shrubs, trees, and 95 acres of meadow grasses to reduce erosion and restore the native habitat.
In the fall of 2021, East Pikeland Township broke ground on the Hidden River Park and Preserve Riparian Corridor Revitalization project located on Spring City Road. A riparian corridor is a unique habitat that exists along a body of water like a river, stream or lake. The project includes the installation of native trees and shrub species, plant protection and invasive tree removal.
“The East Pikeland Board of Supervisors have long supported parkland expansion and open space preservation in the township,” said Ron Graham, chairman of the township supervisors. “We are grateful to Pennsylvania American Water for awarding us this grant. Funding like this allows us to continue our mission for all area residents to enjoy.”
This year, 13 watershedrelated projects across the Commonwealth received grant funds totaling nearly $75,000 through the company’s annual Environmental Grant Program for community-based projects that improve, restore, or protect watersheds.
“We applaud East Pikeland and their commitment to environmental stewardship,” said Jim Gable, senior manager of operations for Pennsylvania American Water. “It is so important to preserve and maintain open space for many reasons, and we are excited to watch this project progress.”
Pennsylvania American Water initiated its Environmental Grant Program in 2005 to support projects that protect or restore drinking water sources and surrounding watersheds. Since then, American Water has expanded the annual program to many of its state subsidiaries across the nation. To date, Pennsylvania American Water has donated more than $650,000 to fund more than 135 projects.