TLC to Protect Raleigh’s Drinking Water with $58,000 Grant from Duke Energy Foundation

RALEIGH, N.C. - May 6, 2015 - PRLog -- Triangle Land Conservancy has received a $58,975 grant to continue its efforts to protect and enhance regional waterways and the environment. The grant is part of the Water Resources Fund, a $10 million commitment from Duke Energy.

Triangle Land Conservancy’s 613-acre Brumley Forest Nature Preserve is one of the largest remaining undeveloped tracts of land in Orange County, and contains approximately 5 miles of streams, including Stony Creek, an Eno River tributary that flows to Falls Lake. This grant will be used to improve the riparian buffers along the streams by removing invasive species and planting tree seedlings. It will also fund the creation of a water education hub around the property’s pond, featuring an interpretative trail and a boardwalk overlooking a beaver dam in preparation for opening the preserve to the public.

“Safeguarding clean water and connecting people with nature are cornerstones of our mission,” said Sandy Sweitzer, Executive Director of TLC. “Thanks to the generous support of Duke, we will be able to improve water quality in the Stoney Creek watershed and prepare Brumley Forest (https://www.flickr.com/search/?w=30589647@N04&q=brumley) for its opening as a public preserve by 2017.”

Triangle Land Conservancy (TLC) is one of 15 organizations across North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia to collectively receive more than $1 million in the first grant announcement of 2015. The Water Resources Fund is a multi-year commitment that will leave a legacy of improved water quality, quantity and conservation in the Carolinas and neighboring regions.

“The Water Resources Fund is a testament to Duke Energy’s long history of investing in the health and vitality of our communities,” said Stick Williams, president of the Duke Energy Foundation. “We look forward to our partnership with Triangle Land Conservancy and the impact this grant will have in North Carolina’s Triangle region.”

The Duke Energy Foundation and community leaders gathered on April 30 in Raleigh, North Carolina, to honor the inaugural Water Resource Fund grant recipients and celebrate their ongoing commitment to communities across the Carolinas.

Investment decisions are carefully reviewed by the Water Resources Fund committee, an independent body that includes five environmental experts and two Duke Energy employees. Selected projects are chosen on several criteria, including whether the project is science-based and research-supported.

Duke Energy anticipates two grant announcements per year over the course of five years. Applications for the next Water Resources Fund grant cycle are due May 15, 2015. Please visit nccommunityfoundation.org for more information on how to apply.