American Water Charitable Foundation grant supports creek restoration

KOKOMO, Ind. - Indiana University Kokomo students will gain hands-on experience in environmental work, while creating a cleaner streamside buffer along the Kokomo Creek, through a Water and Environment grant from the American Water Charitable Foundation.

The Kokomo Creek Clean Water Corridor restoration project will restore a visible stretch of the creek corridor near Sustainability Meadow, the Pollinator Orchard, the campus honeybee hives, the parking garage, and the rain garden restoration area on the south edge of campus. Work will be led by Andy Tuholski, director of the Office of Sustainability, along with student volunteers. It will focus on cleanup, targeted invasive plant removal, and practical creekbank stabilization using native plants and low-impact erosion-control materials.

Tuholski said the grant was designed to help the Office of Sustainability move from clearing and planning into restoration and primarily supports the clean water side of the project, including site preparation, native plants, and installation supplies.

The grant also supports opportunities for students to get their hands dirty while learning how they can make a difference in the world.

"Regional campuses are inherently close to the communities we serve, so when we plant trees, restore a habitat, host school groups, or put on an event, our students hopefully see that environmental stewardship is something they can actually perform wherever they go in life," he said. "It gives students a chance to connect what they learn in class to real places on campus, like the creek, the meadow, the pollinator orchard, the rain garden, and our tree and habitat projects."

It also gives them a real look at sustainability work.

"There are fun and educational events and grant writing, but there is also sweat, mosquitoes, muddy shoes, pulling weeds, watering plants, checking survival rates, and ultimately coming back to the same place again and again because the work always continues," he said. "It is my hope that in some small way for those involved, it teaches patience, responsibility, and pride in this space that we share. I love being able to work with them and get their input on how they want to make an impact during their years at IUK."

New IU Kokomo funder American Water Charitable Foundation is supporting the project with a $10,000 grant that will be used for site preparation, creekbank stabilization, native plant materials, and installation supplies.

By the end of the grant year, the campus reach of Kokomo Creek will have a stronger streamside buffer, cleaner creek edges, and stabilized soil in priority areas. This will help reduce erosion and muddy runoff, improve habitat, and give students and community members a clear way to take part in local water stewardship.

The Water and Environment grant is part of the American Water Charitable Foundation's Keep Communities Flowing Grant Program. The Foundation is a philanthropic nonprofit organization established by American Water, the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the U.S., supporting high-impact projects and initiatives that further American Water's commitment to the communities it serves.

"The American Water Charitable Foundation is proud to invest in organizations and programs that focus on clean water, conservation, environmental education, climate variability, and water-based recreation," said Carrie Williams, president of the American Water Charitable Foundation. "We take pride in furthering American Water's ongoing commitment to being a good neighbor and trusted partner in the community."

Education is KEY at Indiana University Kokomo.