On June 12, the Wildlife for Everyone Foundation announced FirstEnergy, parent company of West Penn Power, provided a $5,000 grant to the Foundation to support the development of the Wildlife Center in Centre County.
The grant, presented by Joleen Hindman, Area Manager for FirstEnergy, will support the development of a fully-accessible walking trail through the installation of an ADA compliant bench that will provide the opportunity for all visitors to rest and observe nature around them.
Thirteen benches will be positioned at prescribed resting intervals along the one-mile boardwalk loop trail.
ADA standards for accessible design will ensure a trail that is firm, stable and slip resistant, affording persons with limitations including aging individuals, the ability to navigate easily, view the wildlife and native plants that exist there, and enjoy the restorative benefits that nature offers.
“We are grateful to West Penn Power for this generous donation and support of the Wildlife Center which will benefit so many nature lovers from all over the state,” remarks Susan Hawthorne, Executive Director of Wildlife for Everyone Foundation.
“We are a forward-thinking electric utility powered by a diverse team of employees committed to making customers’ lives brighter, the environment better and our communities stronger,” said Hindman.
Levine Engineering, LLC, Altoona, has assumed project management of the 135-acre
property in Huston Township.
The component 55-acre wetlands and surrounding natural area will provide passive recreational opportunities for residents of central Pennsylvania and beyond, including light hiking, bird watching, wildlife observation, fishing, picnicking and other outdoor pursuits.
The addition of the following elements will complete the Wildlife Center: an education pavilion with picnic tables, viewing platforms, accessible parking, restrooms and interpretive signage.
Groundbreaking is expected in 2020
For more information on programs, initiatives, upcoming events and how you can get involved, visit the Wildlife for Everyone Foundation website.
(Photo: Susan Hawthorne, Foundation Executive Director and Joleen Hindman, FirstEnergy.)
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