LoCo Yaks awarded $1,500 grant

The LoCo Yaks were among 17 groups to receive grants from Dominion Energy and the Western Reserve Land Conservancy on Oct. 3, according to a news release.

LoCo Yaks, the Lorain County Kayak and Paddle sports group, received $1,500 to purchase a fully outfitted adaptive kayak to help those with physical disabilities enjoy time on the Black River and Lake Erie, the release said.

The LoCo Yaks were presented with the award at the Land Conservancy’s Conservation Center in Moreland Hills.

Dominion Energy and Western Reserve Land Conservancy launched the Watershed Mini Grant Program in 2015 to serve organizations working to protect and improve land around rivers, lakes and streams throughout Ohio. Since the program’s inception, more than $142,000 has been awarded to 38 different watershed groups across the state.

“We are extremely grateful to partner with Dominion Energy to support the important and innovative work of watershed groups working to protect and improve land around rivers, lakes and streams throughout Ohio,” said Rich Cochran, president and CEO of the Land Conservancy.

“These groups are critical to protecting the health of our freshwater resources.”

“Dominion Energy is proud to partner with Western Reserve Land Conservancy for our fourth annual Watershed Mini Grants Program,” said Julie Pischulla, general manager of design and construction and Capital Planning for Dominion Energy. “It’s a privilege to support and learn about some of the amazing environmental initiatives that are happening throughout the state of Ohio.

“We congratulate all of the award winning watershed organizations across our territory, and believe it is our duty to recognize such outstanding grassroots efforts throughout our environmental and community service commitments.”