Reviving a popular nature area

Reviving a popular nature area

Jul 6, 2021 | Community Involvement, Environment

A popular Union County nature area enjoyed by hundreds each year is getting long planned and much needed improvements with a little help from PPL.

Koons Trail along Buffalo Creek in Mifflinburg, originally created by Mifflinburg Middle School teacher Joe Southerton and his students in 1990, is getting new kiosks, footbridges and platforms.

The trail was hit hard by the emerald ash borer, a beetle that feeds on ash trees, and was damaged by previous flooding.

Merrill W. Linn Land & Waterways Conservancy, a Lewisburg-based nonprofit, holds a conservation easement on the trail and maintains it. We granted $3,500 from the PPL Foundation to help fund the improvement project. The upgrades will help the conservancy draw the public to the site and ultimately serve its mission of getting families outside to learn about the environment.

The PPL Foundation contributes more than $3 million annually to nonprofit organizations supporting student success from cradle to career; advancing diversity, equity and inclusion; and promoting the development of vibrant and sustainable communities.

“We are sincerely grateful to PPL,” said Geoff Goodenow, the organization’s coordinator. “The funds from PPL will help to create much needed footbridges along the paths which meander within restored wetlands south of the covered bridge. Visitors to the area enjoy seeing wildflowers, various types of birds and hearing a seasonal chorus of amphibians.”

Each year, hundreds of people participate in programs held in the trail area along with the incalculable number of local residents who visit daily.

The trail is on part of a 30-acre property once owned by Mifflinburg resident and businesswoman Mary Koons. Current owners Ryan and Samantha Sabo have expanded access to the property by creating additional walkways in adjacent wetland meadows and fields. The area is private property but is open to the public from dawn to dusk for people and pets.

The Merrill Linn Conservancy is a 501c3 nonprofit. Its mission includes preservation/conservation of the natural resources and beauty of land and waterways and to engage the public in creating awareness and instilling responsible stewardship of our resources.

Bringing STEM learning to virtual classrooms

Bringing STEM learning to virtual classrooms

Mar 30, 2021 | Community Involvement

As any teacher will tell you, the transition to a virtual environment has been a challenge. That’s why we’re stepping up to ease the burden and connect students with the resources they need to thrive.

Through a partnership with Smithsonian Science Education Center, Da Vinci Science Center, and the Allentown School District, we successfully launched a STEM literacy series for fourth and fifth grade students.

STEM – which stands for “Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math” – is critical as it prepares students for future success in both school and their careers.

To kick-off this initiative, we funded a professional development training with teachers so they could successfully launch the STEM program for roughly 2,500 students. Fourth graders learn about energy in the home, while fifth grade students are studying environmental energy. The great thing about this program is students receive a STEM package of their own, including a textbook and science kit. These resources are for the students to keep at home and share with their families after the 6-week lesson is complete.

We’re proud to play a small part in preventing STEM learning loss for these students during such a difficult time. Here’s to the next generation of STEM leaders!

Major Grant helps bring “Ambulance Bus” to life

Major Grant helps bring “Ambulance Bus” to life

Mar 30, 2021 | Community Involvement

In 2018 when we agreed to grant $100,000 to the Susquehanna Health Foundation toward an “ambulance bus,” it was an exciting and innovative idea. But this year, we saw that idea and vision come to life.   

Now, this climate-controlled, 15 passenger, ambulance bus will be used for a variety of functions, all contributing to the health and safety of the community. The goal is to reach residents across 12 counties, 7 of which are within our territory, through paramedic and firefighter training and drills for emergency responders. It’s already been put to good use, delivering COVID19 vaccines to senior citizens in Williamsport, Lycoming County. 

PPL employees taking a tour of the inside of the ambulance bus

Since its founding in 2015, the PPL Foundation has contributed $15 million to organizations across our 29-county region. We’re proud to play a small part in preparing for the unique healthcare needs of this area, while supporting two of the PPL Foundation’s major focuses: education and sustainable communities. 

We’re looking forward to seeing the ambulance bus in action! 

 

Not all heroes wear capes; some wear PPE

Not all heroes wear capes; some wear PPE

Mar 19, 2021 | Community Involvement

Mike Bezick’s day-to-day routine as a journeyman, doesn’t normally include helping a stranded customer. But one cold day this winter, that’s exactly what he did.

As Mike drove back to our Lehigh Service Center during a fresh snowstorm, he discovered a vehicle that slid off the roadway into a tree. Mike stopped to see how he could help.

After assessing the situation, he confirmed the driver was conscious but recognized he could not exit his vehicle. The tree was blocking the drivers’ door. Mike, concerned for his safety, immediately called 911 to report the accident. Then he stayed with the driver, keeping him calm, until the emergency responders arrived.

Our employees are always willing to offer a helping hand, whether that means volunteering in their local communities, or stopping at the scene of an accident. Mike embodies our corporate values. And we’re proud of the courage and kindness he displayed as he helped a customer in need.