Funding aligns with Erie Insurance Giving Network’s focus on environmental responsibility
Erie Insurance (ERIE) today awarded grants totaling $50,000 to 10 local environmental organizations in northwest Pennsylvania. The funding is part of the Erie Insurance Giving Network’s environmental responsibility area of focus.
Each organization will receive $5,000 and was selected based on their environmental mission, history of service to the region, efficient use of funding and support from ERIE employees.
According to Ann Scott, community outreach manager, Erie Insurance has long believed that being good stewards of the earth is simply the right thing to do and this funding is another example of that.
“At Erie Insurance, we believe in investing in our communities and in the lives of others,” said Scott. “We give our time, talent and resources to support three key areas of focus: community building, safety and environmental responsibility. We’re pleased to enhance our support of these 10 local environmental organizations through this giving effort.”
Giving Network grant recipients include:
- Erie Bird Observatory: Serving as an expert resource on wild bird populations and conducting related research. The Observatory also hosts a wide range of outreach and educational programs open to the public.
- French Creek Valley Conservancy: Working to promote the environmental integrity of the French Creek watershed and advocating for the protection of its natural resources for the ecological, recreational and economic benefit of all through land protection and education.
- Foundation for Sustainable Forests: Protecting forested ecosystems and supporting rural communities through working forests, raising awareness of the importance of conserving intact forested ecosystems and highlighting sustainable forestry practices for the benefit of the land.
- Headwaters Natural Resource Center/Erie County Conservation District: Providing for the conservation of natural resources and the creation of a healthy environment. ECCD educates residents, municipalities, landowners, educators and organizations involved with or concerned about wise environmental stewardship.
- Lake Erie Arboretum at Frontier (LEAF): Generating greater awareness of the importance of trees through its mission of creating educational opportunities and outdoor experiences for the community.
- Lake Erie Region Conservancy: Working to identify, conserve and protect the Lake Erie region’s unique natural and cultural resources. The Conservancy also promotes sustainable development through research and outreach.
- PA Steelhead Association: Enhancing and preserving the Steelhead fishery in Pennsylvania through increased public access, stream enhancement and habitat improvement.
- Presque Isle Partnership: Improving the Presque Isle visitor experience by developing, funding and implementing projects and programs on the park while protecting the natural environment.
- Tamarack Wildlife Center: Working to rehabilitate injured, sick and orphaned wildlife to return them to the wild and provide education for all ages to promote appreciation and understanding of wildlife.
- Tom Ridge Environmental Center Foundation: Forging a partnership between the private sector and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center (TREC) and Presque Isle State Park to enhance educational programming, research and visitor experience.
The organizations received their grants during a reception held Nov. 9 at Erie Insurance’s Thomas B. Hagen Building, the company’s new Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)-certified office building in downtown Erie.
