Local environmental nonprofit Little River Wetlands Project (LRWP) has been awarded $75,000 from the Wells Fargo 2015 Environmental Solutions for Communities grant program administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. The funding will help LRWP protect its wetland nature preserves, remove invasive plants, enhance habitat for native wildlife, and offer its free nature education programs through the end of 2016.
“We’re both proud and grateful to be among the 61 organizations awarded a total of $3 million by Wells Fargo and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation,” says LRWP’s executive director Amy Silva. Silva noted that LRWP is the only nature group in Indiana, and one of only two in the Midwest, to receive an award out of more than 450 applicants.
“This environmental grant today is an investment in our local community and will provide much-needed funding aimed at protecting the environment for our local residents,” said Mary Bell, Regional President for Wells Fargo for Indiana. “We’re proud to collaborate with Little River Wetlands Project to use our financial resources, as well as the expertise of our team members, to protect and preserve a more sustainable environment for communities we serve.”
The Wells Fargo Environmental Solutions for Communities grant program supports projects focused on land and water conservation, energy efficiency, environmental outreach and support for building healthy urban ecosystems. Projects benefiting underserved communities and encouraging volunteerism are given priority consideration.
LRWP protects almost 1,200 acres of restored and natural wetlands, including 716-acre Eagle Marsh in southwest Fort Wayne, Allen County, along with four other wetland properties in Allen and Huntington counties. Most are wetland preserves offering a total of 15 miles of nature trails for public use. The organization also hosts two major annual community events, Earth Day Fort Wayne and Monarch Festival, at Eagle Marsh and offers free nature programming that serves about 10,000 children and adults every year. For more information, visit www.lrwp.org
