Duke Energy Foundation to award environmental grants in Knox County

Thursday, April 10, 2025 at 7:28 PM

By Staff report

Knox County conservation groups and local governments have been chosen to receive grant money from the Duke Energy Foundation.
The shareholder-funded grants will help the recipients with environmental initiatives to enhance parks and greenways, help natural habitats thrive, and expand outdoor recreational and educational opportunities.

Among the recipients:

City of Vincennes, Parks & Recreation Department (Knox County)

$12,000 for continued revitalization of Gregg Park This grant will support the continued revitalization of one of the city’s largest neighborhood parks – Gregg Park. The City of Vincennes Parks & Recreation Department will leverage the funds to clear 15 stumps and replace 10 trees that have been damaged by storms and decay – improving the park’s landscaping and trails, as well as improving safety for park patrons.

Knox County Soil & Water Conservation District

$10,000 for public outreach around watershed planning and implementation projects The Knox County Soil & Water Conservation District and its partner organizations are engaged in watershed planning and implementation projects to improve water quality in the county. These grant funds will be used to support public outreach around the projects through events and activities, mailers, and one-on-one consultations. The goal is to provide project information, solicit participation, and provide educational material on conservation practices designed to reduce or eliminate non-point source pollution and improve water quality.

Vincennes University Foundation (Knox County)

$10,000 to support their environmental land conservation project This grant will support a project aimed at addressing soil erosion at the Vincennes University Agriculture Center by incorporating cover crops into the landscape. The goal is to enhance soil health, reduce erosion, and improve water retention on the land. The funds will be used to purchase high-quality crop seeds – such as clover, rye, and vetch – which will be planted strategically to prevent further soil erosion, improve water infiltration, and increase soil fertility. Funds will also cover costs associated with soil testing to ensure the right mix of cover crops is selected based on the soil’s unique characteristics, as well as ongoing monitoring and maintenance.