News:

Press Release

State College, PA - Employees of Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania will present a check in the amount of $5,000 to Wildlife for Everyone Foundation representatives on May 25 at 10 am at Wonderland Charter School in State College. Columbia Gas is awarding financial support for the Seedlings for Schools program, an initiative of the Wildlife for Everyone Foundation and the Pennsylvania Game Commission, which connects youth to nature by offering young trees for planting. Pennsylvania State Senator Jake Corman will be present to applaud the efforts of Columbia Gas and its support of this vital initiative. Also in attendance will be students and representatives from Wonderland Charter School and the Ferguson Township arborist. The Seedlings for Schools program, which started in 2008, offers all youth from pre-school to 12th grade the opportunity to plant and observe the growth of a fledgling tree. Last year, 195,000 tree seedlings were produced and distributed to more than 900 schools across the state from Howard Nursery, under the management of the Pennsylvania Game Commission.

“The program gives our youth a chance to connect with the outdoors by planting trees in their communities and learning how they benefit wildlife and our environment,” commented Jerry Regan, president of the Wildlife for Everyone Foundation. Planting instructions and teacher resource guides are included in the delivery of seedlings to help teachers develop lesson plans that highlight the critical role trees play in providing habitat and food for all wildlife.

Beginning in March, all teachers in the Commonwealth may request a seedling for each student at no cost, including the shipping and handling expense which The Wildlife for Everyone Foundation subsidizes. “Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania is committed to environmental stewardship,” said Sarah Perry, Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania Community Engagement Manager. “We’re humbled to support community organizations like Wildlife for Everyone that help to protect, conserve and celebrate the environment.” Columbia Gas employees will present a $5,000 NiSource Charitable Foundation Grant to the Wildlife Foundation to support the continuation of this important program. Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania is a company of NiSource, one of the largest fully-regulated utility companies in the United State. For more information, visit www.ColumbiaGasPa.com.

The Wildlife for Everyone Foundation is a not-for-profit organization formed in 2004 to provide all wildlife enthusiasts with a way to show their commitment through much-needed financial support for wildlife conservation efforts and education. Since its inception, the Foundation has raised millions of dollars to support projects including wildlife and wetland habitat improvements, creek and lake restoration, the Seedlings for Schools program and student educational opportunities. The Foundation’s mission connects all wildlife and nature enthusiasts to the great outdoors, including birders, hunters, anglers, students and everyone with an appreciation for nature’s treasures. For more information, visit www.wildlifeforeveryone.org.