FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 14 October 2019
CONTACT: Emily Wood, Indiana Wildlife Federation, Executive Director
wood@indianawildlife.org | 317-875-9453
INDIANA WILDLIFE FEDERATION RECEIVES GRANT TO ADD TRAIL AT TETER FARM
Indianapolis, IN (11 Oct 2019) – The Indiana Wildlife Federation (IWF) is pleased to announce it has received a $15,000 grant from the Duke Energy Foundation to support a new trail through the habitat restoration site at Teter Retreat and Organic Farm (TROF) in Hamilton County.
While the Teter Retreat and Organic Farm are best known for the 5 acres of their property that provides healthy, certified-organic foods to local food pantries, food banks, feeding programs and the Noblesville Farmers Market; many are unaware that the larger property (120+ acres) is a high-quality river corridor that provides abundant wildlife habitat and supports a network of trails. For nearly 25 years a portion of the property has been in a Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), a federal program that pays a yearly rental payment in exchange for farmers removing environmentally sensitive land from agricultural production and planting species that will improve environmental quality.
The CRP has approximately 30 acres planted with an abundant and diverse mix of native trees, grasses and wildflowers that now support a large number of birds, mammals, insects and other critical wildlife. As with most natural areas, this area is under immense biological pressure from the encroachment of aggressive invasive species like Asian Bush Honeysuckle and Callery Pear. This grant will help bring resources and coordinate efforts to reclaim the native habitat and open access to the site.
Emily Wood, executive director of the Indiana Wildlife Federation stated, “Habitat along the White River provides unique habitat for a number of threatened species in our state. We are so pleased to have Duke’s support to rally community volunteers to further protect and steward this space by removing invasive species and adding a trail that can bring Hamilton country residents closer to nature.”
The Duke Energy Foundation provides philanthropic support to address the needs of the communities where their customers live and work. “This project serves two purposes—creating a new trail for the community to enjoy while supporting an important environmental habitat for animals and plants,” said Mark LaBarr, Duke Energy community and government relations manager for the area. “We’re glad to be part of it.”
About Indiana Wildlife Federation
The Indiana Wildlife Federation (IWF) has played a part in conserving Indiana’s natural resources since 1938. As the nonprofit, grass-roots affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation; IWF works to promote the wise use of our renewable resources through educational programs like the Certified Wildlife Habitat and Landscaping the Sustainable Campus. With the support of our members, we are able to continue pursuing our mission to promote the conservation, sound management and sustainable use of Indiana’s wildlife and wildlife habitat through education, advocacy and action. Learn more or join at www.indianawildlife.org
About Duke Energy Foundation
Duke Energy powers vibrant communities by funding programs that support our three investment priorities: K to career, the environment and community impact. The Foundation annually provides more than $30 million in charitable grants.
About Teter Retreat and Organic Farm
Teter Organic Farm is a non-profit community outreach that grows over 40 varieties of mixed vegetables on 5 acres in Noblesville, IN. TROF’s mission is to combat food insecurity, to build community through meaningful relationships across barriers that sometimes divide us, and to educate children and adults on the importance of environmental stewardship and care.