New Jersey American Water awards 2022 environmental grants

To mark Earth Day, April 22, New Jersey American Water announced this week the recipients of its 2022 Environmental Grant Program.

A total of $41,000 was awarded to five organizations that are engaged in sustainability projects to improve water source protection or watershed protection.

“At New Jersey American Water, we recognize that people aren’t the only ones who need clean water – the environment depends on it too,” said Danielle Kearsley, environmental program lead, New Jersey American Water. “This is why we are proud to offer over $40,000 in funding this year to support these innovative projects. By investing in the restoration and protection of our watersheds, we can help preserve our water sources and the life they should sustain for years to come.”

The following groups and organizations were recipients of the 2022 grants:

• Cranford Public Library was awarded $1,000 to establish a Native Seed Library for Union County residents. A curated collection of plant seeds will be distributed at no cost to residents.
• The Hanson Foundation was awarded $10,000 for its biodiversity project in partnership with Enlightened Farm. The project focuses on restoring the natural local habitat by diversifying plant and animal species.
• Rumson Borough Environmental Commission was awarded $10,000 for its Emerald Green Necklace Infrastructure Project, which will include three demonstration rain gardens with bioswales throughout the town. The commission will also host workshops to teach the public how to create their own rain garden.
• Somerset County OEM was awarded $10,000 for county-wide restoration efforts using native trees and shrubs to help mitigate flooding from stormwater runoff impacts in the county’s most vulnerable areas. The efforts will help with the runoff while providing clean, water, habitat and food for local wildlife.
• West Orange Township Environmental and Open Space Commission was awarded $10,000 for its Down Stream to the River: Phase II project, which continues the group’s efforts around river clean-ups, restoration, and education for the Rahway River and its connecting water bodies.

American Water’s Environmental Grant Program was established in 2008, providing more than $429,000 in funding to 51 projects that improve, restore or protect the watersheds, surface water and groundwater supplies in communities served by the company.