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maryland-american-water-announces-2020-environmental-grant-recipient-program-provides-support-for-reforestation-of-lower-winters-run-watershed

Maryland American Water Announces 2020 Environmental Grant Recipient Program provides support for reforestation of lower Winters Run watershed

BEL AIR, Md. (July 10, 2020) Maryland American Water has selected The Harford County Chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America (HARCO IWLA) to receive funding through the company’s 2020 Environmental Grant Program.

The funding will be used to restore a one-acre area of wetland forest that has sustained habitat loss due to Emerald Ash Borer infestation. Sixty Atlantic White Cedar and 60 Bald Cypress trees will be replanted in a 20x20 grid which will improve soil stability and restore native habitat to the area. This project will improve the water quality flowing into the Chesapeake Bay by reducing sedimentation from upstream erosion.

Maryland American Water’s Environmental Grant Program was established to provide funding for community-based environmental projects that improve, restore or protect watersheds, surface water and groundwater supplies in our local communities," said Barry Suits, president of Maryland American Water. “We are proud to support the efforts of local organizations like HARCO IWLA that share our vision and applaud their work to restore native habitat while improving green space for the community to enjoy.” 

“The Winters Run Watershed drains into the upper Bush River and the Chesapeake Bay. The greatest threat to the health of the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem is sediment build up from erosion of upstream soils. HARCO IWLA is grateful for Maryland American Water’s support for this project to reduce soil erosion by planting native tree species with a high rate of successful growth and extensive root systems to improve stream bank and flood plain stabilization,” said Mike Horsmon, president of HARCO IWLA.

To learn more about Maryland American Water’s Environmental Grant Program, visit marylandamwater.com.          

About Maryland American Water
Maryland American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), provides high-quality and reliable water services to approximately 24,000 people.  For more information, visit www.marylandamwater.com and follow Maryland American Water on Twitter and Facebook

About American Water 
With a history dating back to 1886, American Water is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly traded water and wastewater utility company. The company employs more than 6,800 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and market-based drinking water, wastewater and other related services to 15 million people in 46 states. American Water provides safe, clean, affordable and reliable water services to our customers to make sure we keep their lives flowing. For more information, visit amwater.com and follow American Water on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Media Contact:
Marybeth Leongini, External Affairs Manager, marybeth.leongini@amwater.com