The Indiana Wildlife Federation (IWF) is pleased to announce it has received a $15,000 grant from the Duke Energy Foundation to support a new trail through the habitat restoration site at Teter Retreat and Organic Farm (TROF) in Hamilton County.
Duke Energy’s Government and Community Relations Manager Mark LaBarr (center) presented a $15,000 check to the Indiana Wildlife Federation. The funds will be used to support a new trail through Teter Retreat, located in Noblesville. (Photo provided)
While the Teter Retreat and Organic Farm is best known for the five acres of property that provides healthy, certified-organic foods to local food pantries, food banks, feeding programs and the Noblesville Farmers Market, many are unaware that the larger property (120+ acres) is a high-quality river corridor that provides abundant wildlife habitat and supports a network of trails. For nearly 25 years, a portion of the property has been in a Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), a federal program that pays a yearly rental payment in exchange for farmers removing environmentally sensitive land from agricultural production and planting species that will improve environmental quality.
The CRP has approximately 30 acres planted with an abundant and diverse mix of native trees, grasses and wildflowers that now support a large number of birds, mammals, insects and other critical wildlife. As with most natural areas, this area is under immense biological pressure from the encroachment of aggressive invasive species like Asian Bush Honeysuckle and Callery Pear. This grant will help bring resources and coordinate efforts to reclaim the native habitat and open access to the site.
Emily Wood, executive director of the Indiana Wildlife Federation, said, “Habitat along the White River provides unique habitat for a number of threatened species in our state. We are so pleased to have Duke’s support to rally community volunteers to further protect and steward this space by removing invasive species and adding a trail that can bring Hamilton County residents closer to nature.”
The Duke Energy Foundation provides philanthropic support to address the needs of the communities where their customers live and work. “This project serves two purposes – creating a new trail for the community to enjoy while supporting an important environmental habitat for animals and plants,” said Mark LaBarr, Duke Energy community and government relations manager for the area. “We’re glad to be part of it.”
About Teter Retreat and Organic Farm
Teter Organic Farm is a non-profit community outreach that grows over 40 varieties of mixed vegetables on five acres in Noblesville. TROF’s mission is to combat food insecurity, to build community through meaningful relationships across barriers that sometimes divide us, and to educate children and adults on the importance of environmental stewardship and care.