Two Marshall County bodies of water are among the 33 Indiana lakes and rivers that will share $1,296,000 in LARE grant money for 2016-2107, as announced by Cameron Clark, Indiana DNR Director, earlier this month. LARE is an acronym for Lake and River Enhancement Program.
Lake Galbraith, on the campus of The Center at Donaldson, sponsored by the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, will receive a grant of $15,000 to monitor water quality on the lake and it’s tributaries, sampling at inlets to the lake. They will also receive DNR assistance on vegetation surveying at the site. The project will be managed by The Center’s new Director of Ecological Relationships, Adam Thada.
According to the EPA, water quality monitoring is critical not only in understanding the water’s characteristics, but also in the identification of trends, emerging problems, and to evaluate pollution control efforts, determine their effectiveness and redirect efforts when warranted.
The Yellow River, also in Marshall County, will receive a grant of $50,000 to stabilize its bank, prevent erosion and establish a canoe launch at River Park Square in Plymouth. They will be working with the Plymouth Park Department on the project.
In April 2016, the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ received the Indiana Bicentennial Green Legacy Award for their efforts on The Center at Donaldson campus, honoring their tangible steps taken to living in harmony with the Earth. Some of these steps include a robust, campus-wide recycling program, geothermal heating and cooling, use of hybrid vehicles, and growing food for the Sisters, co-workers and residents on campus.
The Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ adopted the Earth Charter Initiative, a declaration of fundamental principals for building a just, sustainable and peaceful global society into the 21stcentury, in accordance with their core value of Community, Simplicity, Openness the Spirit, and Dignity and Respect for All.
