Whitko School Gets Grant From NiSource
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
LARWILL - Whitko Middle School recently received another boost in its effort to develop a nature laboratory from NiSource, the holding company of Northern Indiana Public Service Company.
NiSource awarded the project a $5,000 grant through its NiSource Challenge Fund/Sea Grant Partnership program.
According to Tony Phillips, a science teacher at WMS and director of the project, the funds will be used to restore the natural habitat on 100 acres of Whitko School Corp. property surrounding the middle school.
In addition to the reintroduction of wild turkey, pheasant and bob white quail, plans call for the development of a wetlands area near the middle school.
"I envision, educationally, an area that will be a valuable resource right here on site," Phillips said. "But this is really just more for the environment right now - returning it to the way it was. It will be several years before it will be an effective outdoor lab."
Middle school students have helped with the habitat restoration by planting more than 2,000 trees and four acres of prairie grass. Plans also call for the release of another 10 adult pheasants and 100 pheasant chicks this summer.
"Hopefully, most of them will be able to avoid the coyotes," Phillips said.
He praised NiSource for its assistance, which is helping the restoration take place at a much faster pace than would otherwise be the case.
"We're talking about money that wouldn't otherwise be available," he said. "Our school's budget couldn't fund this project."
Art Smith, treasurer and a member of the board of directors of the Environmental Challenge Fund, said the program is designed to give back to the community and enhance the environment.
"NiSource actively seeks to be a good corporate neighbor with its environmental programs," Smith said. "Through the Environmental Challenge Fund, employees can directly contribute to environmental preservation and enhancement within their communities. NiSource employees take great pride in knowing their donations go to worthy causes that affect the environment in a positive way."
The Challenge Fund has distributed a total of $164,956 since the first grants were awarded in 1995. [[In-content Ad]]
LARWILL - Whitko Middle School recently received another boost in its effort to develop a nature laboratory from NiSource, the holding company of Northern Indiana Public Service Company.
NiSource awarded the project a $5,000 grant through its NiSource Challenge Fund/Sea Grant Partnership program.
According to Tony Phillips, a science teacher at WMS and director of the project, the funds will be used to restore the natural habitat on 100 acres of Whitko School Corp. property surrounding the middle school.
In addition to the reintroduction of wild turkey, pheasant and bob white quail, plans call for the development of a wetlands area near the middle school.
"I envision, educationally, an area that will be a valuable resource right here on site," Phillips said. "But this is really just more for the environment right now - returning it to the way it was. It will be several years before it will be an effective outdoor lab."
Middle school students have helped with the habitat restoration by planting more than 2,000 trees and four acres of prairie grass. Plans also call for the release of another 10 adult pheasants and 100 pheasant chicks this summer.
"Hopefully, most of them will be able to avoid the coyotes," Phillips said.
He praised NiSource for its assistance, which is helping the restoration take place at a much faster pace than would otherwise be the case.
"We're talking about money that wouldn't otherwise be available," he said. "Our school's budget couldn't fund this project."
Art Smith, treasurer and a member of the board of directors of the Environmental Challenge Fund, said the program is designed to give back to the community and enhance the environment.
"NiSource actively seeks to be a good corporate neighbor with its environmental programs," Smith said. "Through the Environmental Challenge Fund, employees can directly contribute to environmental preservation and enhancement within their communities. NiSource employees take great pride in knowing their donations go to worthy causes that affect the environment in a positive way."
The Challenge Fund has distributed a total of $164,956 since the first grants were awarded in 1995. [[In-content Ad]]