Duke Energy funds slew of park and conservation projects

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The Duke Energy Foundation is helping fund environmental and conservation efforts through a $350,000 grant stemming from increased energy usage during the pandemic.

Up to $10,000 of the funding was used for trail upkeep and maintenance, park beautification and safety features for 22 nonprofit and government entities.

“These grants support programs and organizations that work to protect and restore the wildlife and natural resources that our communities depend on,” Michael Callahan, South Carolina president of Duke Energy, said in a news release. “We think it’s important to work alongside our community partners to ensure these beautiful places around us can be enjoyed by nature lovers of all ages for years to come.”

More than 80,000 acres are managed by the S.C. State Park Service including 300 hiking and riding trails, according to the release.

“Our partnership with Duke Energy is exceptional and has helped us deliver our promise of wise stewardship of resources and service to our visitors," Paul McCormack, director of the South Carolina State Park Service, said in the release. “The latest grants for Landsford Canal State Park and the Carrick Creek Trail at Table Rock State Park underscore the value of their significant support.”

Upstate projects include the installation of a kayak put-in at Dolly Cooper Park in Powdersville, an S.C. Aquarium plastic pollution prevention program through a workshop in Greenville and Spartanburg, Oconee County’s Adopt-A Stream program, Trees Upstate’s free tree giveaway, Swamp Rabbit Trail enhancements in Travelers Rest and a seven-mile perimeter trail in Anderson, among others.

A complete list of projects can be found here.