Environmental Action Grant advances Kokomo Creek restoration

KOKOMO, Ind. - IU Kokomo students, faculty, and staff will continue efforts to restore Kokomo Creek with grant funding from the Northern Indiana Public Service Company LLC (NIPSCO) and the NiSource Charitable Foundation.

The campus was one of 25 local nonprofit organizations selected to receive a 2026 Environmental Action Grant, an annual NIPSCO and NiSource Charitable Foundation program that supports local environmental restoration and programs with grants of up to $5,000.

Andy Tuholski, director of the Office of Sustainability and assistant professor of political science, said the grant will help build out the native riparian and monarch habitat corridor with deep-rooted grasses, shrubs, trees, and milkweed.

"We are going to be getting native plants established so the space can recover and stay healthier over time," he said. "Kokomo Creek runs along the edge of campus, and for a long time it's been hard to even see in places because of overgrowth, trash, erosion, and loads of invasive plants. We are engaged in a multi-year effort to give that space a reset."

Office of Sustainability interns are working on the project this summer, clearing honeysuckle, removing debris, and preparing areas for replanting and erosion control.

"We want to see the creek become a healthy and usable natural corridor for campus and the community, with native plants, a biodiverse habitat, outdoor learning opportunities, walking access, and a realistic maintenance plan," Tuholski said.

The IU Foundation applied on behalf of the campus through a competitive process, with applications scored by a selection committee. In the program's 11-year history in Indiana, NIPSCO has awarded more than $824,000 to support nearly 200 projects.

"This is an exciting and forward-thinking opportunity for us to back innovative ideas that will bring about positive and lasting environmental change," said Rick Calinski, Director of Public Affairs and Economic Development at NIPSCO. "We do not view these grants as one-time awards, but as the start of ongoing partnerships with each and every selected organization."

The campus has previously received Environmental Action Grants for a pollinator orchard project.

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