The Beaver Creek Wetlands Association, Inc., and the University of Dayton’s Rivers Institute have been selected as recipients for grants this year from The Greater Dayton Conservation Fund of The Dayton Foundation. Both organizations received $2,000 awards, which were presented last night at the fund’s 4th Annual Meeting held at Cox Arboretum and Gardens MetroPark.

The Greater Dayton Conservation Fund was established in 2006 by The Dayton Foundation in partnership with several local environmentalists and community leaders to support environmental preservation in the Greater Dayton Region for today and for future generations.

The Beaver Creek Wetlands Association’s grant will assist them in their invasive plant removal project along the Beaver Creek Wetlands Corridor. Plants, such as purple loose strife, honeysuckle and reed canary grass, pose a credible long-term threat to the existence of migrating animals and indigenous plant life. Through the combined efforts of public and private partners, the Association is working to remove a substantial percentage of the invasive plant species while aiding in the restoration of native flora and fauna.

The University of Dayton’s Rivers Institute project, River Outreach Program, will build upon their existing program to help create opportunities for the community, particularly urban school children, to engage with nature, and demonstrate and communicate the importance of river stewardship. The grant will assist with the purchase of educational materials and equipment, including water testing supplies, kayaks and appropriate safety certification for instructors.

Grants from this fund are awarded by a nine-member steering committee to support organizations or programs that help protect the region’s natural environment through education, acquisition, restoration and scientific research; encourage collaborations and regional land conservation; and leverage cooperation and support for various efforts of like-minded organizations. A total of $24,000 in grants has been awarded from the fund to date.

Individuals interested in contributing to the cause are invited to make contributions or to join The Greater Dayton Conservation Fund’s Founders Society. To learn more about the fund, individuals may contact Janice McLefresh at (937) 225-9971 at The Dayton Foundation.

Since 1921 The Dayton Foundation has been helping people help others in the Dayton community and beyond. The Dayton Foundation helps donors find the best and most tax-wise ways to achieve their charitable objectives, invests and manages donors’ charitable funds, and provides grants and leadership to grow philanthropy and help meet present and future community needs. More information about The Dayton Foundation and its services is available at www.daytonfoundation.org.