Nextera Energy has provided the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority with a $25,000 grant to support conservation education programs in the watershed.
ABCA Communications Specialist Tim Cumming says this is the third year Nextera has provided the funding.
The funding helps facilitate events and programs such as field trips for students who wouldn't be able to take field trips otherwise, as well as in-school programs. Thanks to Nextera's Watershed Champions grant, local schools are also able to participate in some green projects right in the schoolyard.
Cumming adds without the funding a lot of those activities wouldn't happen. He points out teachers can't provide field trips if there isn't funding to do it and there are bus trips and field trips.
There are also special events that are possible thanks to this funding, so bio-diversity and awareness days, turtle releases and tree planting.
The cheque presentation was made following the ABCA's last board meeting.