PPL Grant Will Benefit Environmental Education Center

Allentown-based PPL Corporation recently announced that has been named one of three Lehigh Valley recipients of its Empowering Educators grants. A total of six recipients have been awarded $11,200 for environmentally-conscious educational endeavors, the energy provider said in a Jan. 14 press release. A total of 31 applications were received for the most recent round of grants, it added.

Saucon Valley's grant for $2,000 will help fund the development of , which, when completed, will include a butterfly garden, a bird blind, a solar study area, nature trails and a teaching pavilion on approximately 20 acres of property along Polk Valley Road.

The three-phase project--which was spearheaded by the nonprofit --will begin with site preparation and the development of the trails and teaching area.

Once completed, it is envisioned that the environmental education center will provide students and community residents with multidisciplinary educational opportunities.

According to the PPL press release, grant recipients were chosen by a team of PPL employees, environmental professionals and educators.

“We’re always impressed by the variety and quality of the grant applications we receive,” said Meg Welker, manager of education and public outreach for PPL. “As an energy company that values our community partnerships and environmental stewardship, we’re proud to be able to help teachers bring a creative, hands-on focus to energy and the environment.”

For more information about the Empowering Educators grants, visit www.pplweb.com, select "Environment and Community," and then select "Our Education Programs."