Seven Local Projects Receive Nearly $75,000 in Funding for Open Space and Resiliency Through Delmarva Power Sustainable Communities Program

Grants support clean, renewable energy development, pollinator habitats, local wetlands and wooded spaces, and more

Delmarva Power, together with its program administrator Delaware Nature Society (DelNature), have chosen seven local municipalities, recreational authorities and nonprofits to receive nearly $75,000 in funds to support open space and resiliency projects in Delaware and Maryland. This funding is provided throughout the region as part of Delmarva Power’s Sustainable Communities Grant Program, which provides funding to support open space preservation, improvements to parks and recreation resources, environmental conservation and innovative community resiliency projects.

“Climate change and its social and environmental effects are among the most significant challenge facing the world today, and it is imperative that we take the steps to help preserve and restore our natural habitat while preparing for a world with more extreme weather and less predictability,” said Melissa Lavinson, senior vice president of Governmental and External Affairs for Pepco Holdings, which includes Delmarva Power. “The projects benefiting from this funding provide direct support to our communities, through the conservation of critical open space, supporting recreational opportunities and building resilience in the face of a changing climate. We have a vested interest in the wellbeing and success of our communities. It’s what drives us. I’m excited to see these innovative projects in action, as well as the positive impacts they will have toward establishing a healthy environment and community.”

In partnership with DelNature, a state affiliate for the National Wildlife Federation renowned for its educational programming, conservation and advocacy, Delmarva Power is providing grants to the following municipalities, recreational authorities and nonprofits:

• Delaware State University ($25,000) – For the installation of a 25-kilowatt solar array system on the roof of the Mishoe Science Center.
• Delaware Center for Horticulture ($10,000) – Supports the installation of pollinator habitat gardens on green spaces throughout the City of Wilmington.
• Delaware Wild Lands ($10,000) – Toward land acquisition and protecting the health of the wetlands, forest and wildlife of Augustine Creek.
• Town of Newark, Del.  ($10,000) – Assists in the reforestation of the City of Newark’s wooded parks and open spaces.
• Friends of Cecil County Parks and Recreation ($9,878) – Supports the restoration and enhancement of the natural habitat in and around its parks and the development of a plant, bird and butterfly habitat.
• Laurel Redevelopment Corporation ($5,000) – Toward the development and installation of two interpretive panels at Tidewater Park to support the operation of a local bioswale and wetland on Broad Creek.
• Friends of White Clay Creek State Park ($5,000) – Supports the habitat restoration of the Judge Morris Estate section of the White Clay Creek State Park.

“Delaware Nature Society is pleased to announce this year’s Delmarva Power Sustainable Communities Grant awardees,” said DelNature Interim Executive Director Joanne McGeoch.  “This year’s applicants included non-profits, municipalities and universities committed to addressing environmental concerns through conservation stewardship projects and alternative energy solutions.  We’re grateful to Delmarva Power for their generous underwriting of this program, whose support will provide $75,000 to community projects in Delaware and Maryland.”

Delmarva Power’s Sustainable Communities Grant Program provides up to $75,000 in grants annually to fund open space and environmental projects and resiliency projects across the company’s Delaware and Maryland service area. The program provides $50,000 in grants of up to $10,000 each to municipalities, recreational authorities and nonprofits for projects focusing on open space preservation, improvements to parks and recreation resources, and environmental conservation. The company also provides one grant, totaling $25,000, to support resiliency projects.

Municipalities, recreational authorities and nonprofits in the Delmarva Power service area can apply for a Sustainable Communities grant each year. A committee with representatives from Delmarva Power, DelNature, county agencies and conservation organizations review each application and selects the projects to receive funding.

“Protecting our environment isn’t a government job, a corporation’s job, or an individual’s job, it’s everyone’s job,” said Matt Meyer, county executive for New Castle County. “We’re thankful for the continued partnership of Delmarva Power, the Delaware Nature Society as well as the public works team of New Castle County for constantly searching out new opportunities for New Castle County to be a leader in the green space.”

Interested organizations can learn more about the Sustainable Communities Grant Program and how to submit a grant request.

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