Utilities’ Plant for the Planet grants support tree planting initiatives in public areas

(Louisville, Ky. - April 22, 2021) — Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities Company today announced the awarding of Plant for the Planet grants to 23 organizations across Kentucky. 

“Partnering with organizations for tree planting efforts is a valuable component of protecting and expanding the tree canopy in the communities we serve,” said Angie M. Evans, LG&E and KU vice president of Corporate Responsibility and Community Affairs. “We’re so thankful for the work of these organizations to support the environment and enhance our surroundings.”

The grants, which are awarded through the LG&E and KU Foundation, provide matching funding in amounts of $500 to $5,000 to organizations with a history of successful tree plantings in the LG&E and KU service territories.

LG&E and KU’s Plant for the Planet matching grant program, which began in 2009, has contributed to more than 56,000 plantings. These projects have occurred in a range of urban and rural areas that offer public access, including parks and nature preserves.

The organizations receiving awards in 2021 include the following:

• 21st Century Parks Inc.

• Baptist Health Foundation Greater Louisville Inc.

• Botanic Inc.

• Brightside Foundation Inc.

• Campbellsville University Inc.

• City of Danville

• City of Douglass Hills

• City of Harrodsburg

• Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve

• Friends of the Parks

• Louisville Grows Inc.

• Louisville Metro Government

• Louisville Metro Parks Foundation Inc.

• Louisville Zoo Foundation Inc.

• Lyric Theatre and Cultural Arts Center

• Masonic Homes of Kentucky Inc.

• ReNewport Inc.

• Spalding University

• Spearhead Trailblazers Inc.

• TreesLouisville

• Waterfront Development Corporation

• Wilderness Louisville Inc.

• YouthBuild Louisville

The Plant for the Planet program is modeled after the United Nations’ Plant for the Planet: Billion Tree Campaign, which promotes the planting of more than one billion trees annually by individuals, communities and businesses worldwide.

Not only do trees add beauty to our surroundings, they’re also a key component of our ecosystem and play a vital role in energy. Trees help reduce energy bills by providing summer shade, winter warmth and winter windbreaks.