EPA Funds Kentucky Wetlands Restoration Project
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency awarded the University of Kentucky Research Foundation with a new wetland conservation grant through the Five Star Wetlands Restoration Program, according to a July 29 press release.
The $20,000 grant will be used to fund the Millcreek Stream and Wetland Restoration Project and Outdoor Classroom.
The project goal is to develop a school-wide, interdisciplinary, water-focused education program at Millcreek Elementary School by restoring stream and wetlands habitats around the free-flowing, meandering creek on the school grounds. The outdoor classroom will help the environment by improving water quality and increasing aquatic and terrestrial habitats in and along the stream. Through the educational program, the creation of student Water Ambassadors, and the professional development of teachers and PTA volunteers, the entire community will benefit from the program.
"EPA's Five Star Restoration Grant Program will help promote conservation and environmental stewardship in this Kentucky community," said Jimmy Palmer, EPA regional administrator.
The Five Star Restoration Program is a national initiative providing financial and technical support to wetland, riparian, and coastal habitat restoration projects. It brings together citizen groups, corporations, students, landowners, youth conservations corps, and government agencies to build diverse partnerships and foster local natural resource stewardship through education, outreach, and training activities.
The goal of EPA's Wetlands program is to motivate and inspire the nation to value, protect, and restore the ecological integrity of its wetlands and aquatic ecosystems.