WARSAW — This year, Kosciusko REMC wants to recognize and support the health of our environment by offering Envirowatts grants to area non-profit organizations. This May, Envirowatts funds in the amount of approximately $3,500 will be awarded to three community organizations ACRES Land Trust, KC Recycling and The Watershed Foundation.

ACRES Land Trust has been providing undeveloped forests, meadows, streams, geologic formations and their accompanying recreation opportunities to the public free of charge. The preserves make possible hiking, nature photography, birding, inspiration for artists, exercise, scientific exploration, school programs and more. There is no cost to visit their properties, which are open from dawn until dusk year-round. ACRES is a membership-based organization with approximately 1,400 individual and corporate members. Their Envirowatts project this year is working to restore Wayne Township Prairie located ¼ mile north East of Winona Lake.

The KC Recycling Depot is the solid waste district for Kosciusko County. Their purpose is to collect household and hazardous material and various recyclables for the benefit of the health and safety of the community. They will be using the Envirowatts grant money given to them to help offset the rising cost incurred for properly recycling electronics. With the Envirowatts grant, they will be able to offer free recycling for the old tube televisions and monitors.

The Watershed Foundation has been protecting and improving water quality in the lakes and streams of the Upper Tippecanoe River Watershed. They have successfully implemented over 200 water quality improvement projects, assisted 40+ farmers with healthy soil practices, and empowered the public to make clear choices for clean water. The work of The Watershed Foundation has done to reduce and stop water pollution at its source improves downstream water quality impacts like toxic algae blooms, invasive weeds, sedimentation and diminished fishing and recreational activities in our lakes and streams. The Watershed Foundation will be using the Envirowatts grant money awarded to them for an educational video. This video will stress the individual responsibility of our generation to manage our precious water resources so they are around and thriving for future generations.

KREMC is delighted to support the work of these great organizations. Thank you, our members, for empowering us to do so.