Duke Energy Ohio and Kentucky Boost Climate Resiliency with $105,000 in Grants

• Grants support initiatives in water quality, habitat restoration, forest conservation, and species protection

• $900,000 given over the past five years to local organizations to improve climate resiliency

CINCINNATI, OH - Duke Energy Ohio and Kentucky are pleased to announce the recipients of the 2024 Climate Resiliency Grants from the Duke Energy Foundation. A total of $105,000 has been awarded to various organizations in southwest Ohio and northern Kentucky - the culmination of a competitive award process - to support initiatives ranging from water quality and habitat restoration to species conservation and nature-based outdoor recreation.

"Our goal is to foster a resilient ecosystem and community that can thrive for generations to come," said Amy Spiller, President of Duke Energy Ohio and Kentucky. "These grants and initiatives reflect our commitment to environmental stewardship, and our belief in the power of local action."

Duke Energy continues to execute on its goal to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from electricity generation by at least 50% by 2030 and 80% by 2040, on the way to net zero carbon emissions by 2050. The company has already reduced carbon dioxide emissions by 48% from 2005 levels. The company is also working to achieve net-zero methane emissions by 2030.

Supporting other organizations that are also committed to climate resiliency aides in the sustainability of the region's climate.

"The Cincinnati Parks Foundation is thrilled to partner with the Duke Energy Foundation. This grant will help to enhance Avondale's resilience against climate impacts by planting more trees," said Jennifer Hafner Spieser, President and CEO of the Cincinnati Parks Foundation. "Together, we're bringing this community even closer to the goal of 40% urban canopy coverage as outlined in the Climate Safe Neighborhood Plan."

A complete list of grant recipients and program details can be found below:

$25,000 | The Greenway Park at Dry Creek Park
The funds will be used to establish a new park and provide opportunities to interact with nature in a multitude of new and fascinating ways. From twenty miles of mountain biking trails, to nature trails (both paved and elevated tree canopy walks), nature center/pavilion gathering center, to interactive creek education elements, to traditional dog park and playgrounds with shelters.

$10,000 | Water Quality Research on the Ohio River: Building Capacity for a Resilient Ecosystem
These funds will be used to support the longest-standing water quality assessment and monitoring research on the Ohio River.

• OHIO CARDINAL LAND CONSERVANCY

$10,000 | East Fort Wetlands Protection and Restoration
Funds will help to protect and restore a 67-acre parcel immediately adjacent to East Fork Lake State Park that contains high-quality wetlands and streams.

$10,000 | Native Habitat Restoration and Vernal Pool Establishment
The grant will restore a recently cleared agricultural area by replanting native vegetation and establishing vernal pools to prevent the reseeding of invasive species, and enhance biodiversity at Rowe Woods.

• CINCINNATI PARKS FOUNDATION

$10,000 | Improving Climate Resiliency in Avondale Through Increasing the Urban Canopy
The grant will help enhance Avondale's resilience against climate impacts by planting trees in response to work in Climate Safe Neighborhoods.

• GROUNDWORK OHIO RIVER VALLEY

$10,000 | Growing our Future Green Workforce
In partnership with B the Keeper, the funds will help expand a pilot workforce and volunteer program for pollinator-centric climate resiliency projects in our most underserved neighborhoods and parks in OH and KY.