Conner Prairie and Duke Energy Advance Sustainability Mission with Tree Planting at the Museum

Duke Energy continues efforts to enhance ecosystem and sustainability of natural resources as
part of the Go Green Initiative.

FISHERS, IN (Dec. 1, 2022) – Duke Energy volunteers planted trees Wednesday, Nov. 9 at Conner Prairie Museum to help replenish rich habitats and reduce stormwater runoff into the White River. The newly planted trees, funded by Duke Energy, replaced trees that were removed after being deemed hazardous by local arborists. The trees will enhance habitats and reduce stormwater runoff along the White River, as well as absorb more than 110 pounds of air pollutants per year. In addition to this year’s tree planting, several trees were planted on the grounds in 2021 as part of the Shoreline Stabilization Project, which was funded through the generous support of the Duke Energy Foundation. That project improved the soil and water life health along two areas of the White River.

“At Duke Energy, we understand and value the importance of environmental stewardship within our
communities,” said Duke Energy Government and Community Relations Manager Mark LaBarr. “We are proud to partner with Conner Prairie on this effort to help preserve and enhance the integrity of the White River ecosystem for future generations to enjoy.”

The most recent tree planting is the latest step to drive conservation and sustainability of natural resources as part of the Collective Impact – Go Green Initiative, comprised of Duke Energy, The White River Alliance and Conner Prairie. In August, the organizations hosted a river clean-up day to remove trash and debris pollution from the river.

“As stewards of vital habitats and rich ecosystems along the White River we have a responsibility to ensure the river is protected for current and future generations,” said Conner Prairie President and CEO Norman Burns. “These trees will help drive efforts to educate nearly 250,000 visitors on the value, function, and maintenance of trees as part of conservation and sustainability efforts.” Future plans include Conner Prairie’s White River Education and Ecology Center which will continue to focus on efforts to enhance water and land use connections, spearhead innovative conservation methods, demonstrate best management practices, provide training to help protect and improve the region’s main waterway.

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About the Collective Impact – Go Green Initiative

The initiative will bring to life a 58-mile, multi-organizational approach to strengthen Central Indiana’s most valuable natural resource through innovation, equity, and activation. The partnership between Duke Energy, The White River Alliance and Conner Prairie will allow for continued study of the water, river and water-focused program, clean-up efforts, and educational initiatives that will drive conservation and sustainability.

About Conner Prairie

Spanning more than 1,000 wooded acres in Central Indiana, Conner Prairie welcomes more than 400,000 visitors of all ages annually. As Indiana’s first Smithsonian affiliate, Conner Prairie offers various outdoor, historically themed encounters and indoor experiential learning spaces that combine history and art with science, technology, engineering and math to offer an authentic look into history that shapes society today. Conner Prairie is a 501(c)3, nonprofit organization – accredited by the American Alliance of Museums – that relies on grants and philanthropic donations from individuals, corporations, and foundations for sustainability and growth. For more information visit ConnerPrairie.org.

About Duke Energy Indiana

Duke Energy Indiana, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, provides about 6,300 megawatts of owned electric capacity to approximately 880,000 customers in a 23,000-square-mile service area, making it Indiana’s largest electric supplier.

CONTACT

Holly Pasquinelli
Senior Manager of PR and Communications
pasquinelli@connerprairie.org
317.776.6000 EXT. 267