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EPA Awards $24,970 Grant to Support Maryland Program that Trains Seniors as Environmental Stewards

Release Date: 3/3/2005
Contact Information: Bonnie Smith, 215-814-5543

Bonnie Smith, 215-814-5543

PHILADELPHIA – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has selected two Maryland organizations to receive a $24,970 grant under a new EPA program that encourages senior adults to become environmental stewards in their community.

The grant goes to Wildlife Trust of North America’s Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center and the University of Maryland Center on Aging to help develop the Legacy Leadership Institute for the Environment. The project will train and provide year-long volunteer opportunities for 20 senior adults. These volunteers will enhance the leadership and service capacity of five environmental centers and foster greater environmental stewardship in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The project is based in Grasonville, Md.

“This grant is a part of EPA’s effort to protect the health of older adults who may be more susceptible to environmental hazards,” said Donald S. Welsh, regional administrator for EPA’s mid-Atlantic region. “Projects like this can help bring the time and talents of older adults to environmental conservation, restoration, and habitat protection.”

This grant is one of 19 EPA aging initiative grants totaling $492,180 that are being awarded nationwide to support seniors involvement in environmental projects. Recipients, who receive between $18,900 and $25,000, include state and local health and environmental offices, regional councils of governments, universities and community colleges, a community foundation and non-profit organizations that deal with aging.

The aging initiative grants will help educate seniors about environmental health issues, foster intergenerational projects that address environmental risks, and enhance environmental health and quality of life through strategies targeting improved air and water quality.

The EPA’s aging initiative encourages civic engagement to recognize and reduce environmental hazards in their communities. A complete list of the awardees and more information about the Aging Initiative is available at https://www.epa.gov/aging/grants/index.htm