Abington Area Joint Recreation Board Receives Environmental Grant from Pennsylvania American Water

Pennsylvania American Water announced today that six watershed initiatives across the state, including an environmental camp for children coordinated by the Abington Area Joint Recreation Board, have earned financial support through the company’s 2014 Environmental Grant Program. The recipients will receive a share of grant funds totaling nearly $35,000 for their community-based projects that improve, restore or protect watersheds.

With the funding, the organization will host an “Earth Camp,” geared toward students in grades fifth through seventh, that focuses on environmental education, art and fitness for school children in grades fifth through seventh. Students will experience environmental studies and learn more about the water issues facing the world today. The camp is held at Hillside Park in South Abington Township.

“Earth Camp combines environmental education with themes of art and healthy living in an outdoor setting,” said Emily Rinaldi, Earth Camp director. “Each week, students are able to reconnect with nature, use their environment, and participate in physical activity.” The program is designed to expand and enrich the current curriculum of the Abington Heights School District.

A panel of judges selected the winners from more than 30 grant applications, which were evaluated on such criteria as environmental need, innovation, community engagement and sustainability.

In addition to the township, Pennsylvania American Water awarded its 2014 Environmental Grants to the Plains Township (Luzerne County), Brandywine Valley Association (Chester County), Western Pennsylvania Conservancy (Washington County), Londonderry Township (Dauphin County), and Pennsylvania Resources Council (Allegheny County).

“This year’s grant recipients are making a real difference in their communities, and we are excited to partner with them to turn their plans into a reality,” said Kathy L. Pape, president, Pennsylvania American Water. She noted that the Environmental Grant Program is in its 10^th year supporting local watershed improvement projects across the Commonwealth.

Pennsylvania American Water is a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), which initiated the Environmental Grant Program in 2005 in Pennsylvania to support projects that protect or restore drinking water sources and surrounding watersheds. Since then, American Water has expanded the annual program to many of its state subsidiaries across the nation.

Pennsylvania American Water is the largest water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately 2.1 million people. Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs approximately 6,600 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to an estimated 14 million people in more than 40 states and parts of Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com .

Photo ID L-R:
Emily Rinaldi, Earth Camp director; Susan Turcmanovich, external affairs manager, Pennsylvania American Water