The Friends Of Blackwater Are Among 68 Recipients To Share $1 Million In Grants Supporting Environmental Initiatives

The Friends of Blackwater will receive a $15,000 grant to improve trails in and around the Monogahela National Forest.
68 organizations in 10 states will share $1 million to fund projects that protect the environment and educate the public.Thomas, W.Va. — Whether it’s restoring wetlands, forging new trails or building new boat ramps, this year’s environmental grants will help fund a wide variety of initiatives to improve public spaces and preserve habitats for the benefit of nature lovers across the Dominion footprint. Dominion Resources is awarding $1 million in environmental grants through its philanthropic arm, the Dominion Foundation, to sixty-eight organizations in 10 states and the District of Columbia. Since 2003, Dominion has donated $26.7 million to support a wide variety of environmental projects.
The $15,000 grant will enable the Friends of Blackwater to improve public trails and adjoining open spaces from the Town of Thomas to the Olson Fire Tower in the Monongahela National Forest. With the development of Corridor H, it is expected that more hikers, bikers and tourists will be visiting the region, to attract more visitors, The Friends of Blackwater will improve, expand and mark the trails and recreational areas. When improved, the trails will give visitors a unique opportunity to experience the rugged beauty of the upper Blackwater Canyon and its natural and historic resources.
“Friends of Blackwater is very excited to receive a grant from Dominion Resources to improve public hiking and biking trails in the Monongahela National Forest, including the beautiful Limerock and Canyon Rim Trails. These important Upper Blackwater Canyon recreational trails link the Town of Thomas to the Olson Fire Tower. This project will be a big benefit to local outdoor enthusiasts, and the upgraded trail network will bring more visitors to the area and improve the regional economy.” said Judy Rodd, Director.
“So many great organizations are working to protect natural resources and make our communities more livable and enjoyable,” said Hunter A. Applewhite, president of the Dominion Foundation. “It’s very rewarding to support these efforts because they align well with our mission to conserve and promote the health and beauty of the environment in the places we call home.”