KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The Consumers Energy Foundation will present a $150,000 Planet Award grant to Oshtemo Township to restore a two-mile section of the historic Fruit Belt Rail Corridor.
A grant ceremony and walking tour of the project site is planned for Wednesday, June 8, at 10 a.m. at Flesher Field Park, 3664 South 9th Street, Kalamazoo.
“We’re thrilled to support the Fruit Belt Rail Corridor in Oshtemo Township and cannot wait to celebrate its future at this grant ceremony,” said Greg Salisbury, Consumers Energy’s vice president of electric distribution, who will deliver remarks at the event.
“Michigan has world-class natural resources, and the Consumers Energy Foundation’s Planet Awards play a huge part in helping to protect them today and for
years to come,” said Salisbury.
“These funds will allow us to expeditiously make a significant and positive impact on the wildlife habitat in this corridor that we otherwise could not have done,” said Libby Heiny-Cogswell, Oshtemo Township Supervisor. “We’re excited to be able to invite the community to participate in the restoration and learn more about the importance of native planets and climate resilience.”
The ceremony will be held at Flesher Field Park and will include the presentation of a check and brief remarks from the project partners. The walking tour will be led by staff from the Kalamazoo Nature Center, who will be completing much of the habitat restoration and environmental education project.
The public is invited to attend the ceremony.
The Planet Award grant was one of three the Consumers Energy Foundation recently announced.
The grants aim to preserve, restore, and protect Michigan’s natural resources.
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