BURNING RIVER FOUNDATION

FUNDED PROJECTS

Burning River Foundation Announces 2012 Fresh Ideas for Freshwater Grant Winners
Area Environmental Groups Receive Funding to Demonstrate Freshwater Conservation

February, 2013--CLEVELAND, OHIO--The Burning River Foundation recently awarded $27,000 in grants to support Northeast Ohio individuals and organizations that pursue ecological conservation, environmental protection and education/public involvement. Benefiting projects work toward the sustainable future of our regional freshwater resources. The following organizations have been selected as grant recipients for 2012:

5 Gyres Institute, to continue their collaborative research project with SUNY Fredonia, the Great Lakes Plastic Pollution Survey
The Society of Environmental Journalists, to fund freelance journalist Karen Schaefer to produce a series of broadcasts on issues affecting the Great Lakes
The Alliance for Water Future, to produce a series of pecha kucha style events highlighting innovations in water conservation
Drink Local, Drink Tap, to lead educational workshops in Cleveland schools through their Wavemaker program

Funding was made possible with proceeds from the 2012 Burning River Fest, the annual summer environmental event presented by Great Lakes Brewing Company at the historic Coast Guard Station on Whiskey Island. The recipient organizations will be featured at the 2013 Burning River Fest on July 26-27.

The following organizations have been funded since 2011:

5 Gyres Institute

In collaboration with SUNY Fredonia, an expedition led by Dr. Sherri Mason will lead the first-ever study of plastic pollution on the Great Lakes. The 5 Gyres Institute has previously compiled research on plastic pollution in the world's oceans, which is a hazard to marine life, but not much is currently known about the state of plastic pollution in the Great Lakes.

Baldwin Wallace University

In collaboration with the undergraduate Sustainability Department, students are leading an effort to create an urban garden. To demonstrate resource conservation, the students are installing cisterns for rain water harvesting.

Doan Brook Watershed Partnership

The Doan Brook Watershed Partnership is demonstrating the benefits of green infrastucture in a highly visible bioswale, installed along South Park Boulevard in Shaker Heights. A bioswale is a landscape element that uses a variety of plants, soil, and stone to absorb pollutants and reduce storm water runoff.

Downspout

Educational programs on fresh water in Cleveland Public Schools

Drink Local, Drink Tap

Educational projects in Cleveland schools, through the Wavemaker program

Lake Erie Boat Float

This year marks the fourth annual sailing of boats made from post-consumer recyclables in a fun family event called the Great Lake Erie Boat Float. This year's event, hosted on September 8th at 10am at Lower Edgewater State Park Beach, will continue to build awareness about the importance of waste diversion and recycling.

Lake Erie Waterkeeper

Establishment of a Cleveland office

Ohio City Incorporated

Pre-development work related to the redevelopment of the historic Coast Guard Station on Whiskey Island

Tinkers Creek Watershed Partners

A project at Hudson Montessori School to demonstrate sustainable stormwater runoff management