Your Energy Matters

Volunteers at Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest roll up their sleeves to plant trees received through a Plant for the Planet grant from LG&E and KU.

As the Nov. 30 application deadline approaches for our Plant for the Planet matching-grant tree-planting program, we celebrated Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest’s recent grant at a public dedication at the facility today.

In total, more than 40 trees have been planted at Bernheim as part of the grant the nonprofit organization received. These trees are among the more than 20,000 that have been planted since our Plant for the Planet program began in 2009.

Volunteers and staff were on-hand to dedicate the trees today, including L. Thomas Block, a Bernheim trustee and great-grandson of founder Isaac W. Bernheim.

Berheim horticulturalists helped volunteers plant the trees, and provided instruction on proper tree selection, placement and planting.

The next time you’re at Bernheim, stop by the Garden Pavilion just inside the entrance. That’s where the trees – an assortment of species that will grow to various heights – are planted (as a side note, here’s a handy brochure that instructs you on how to plant the right tree in the right place, so your tree doesn’t interfere with utility lines when it matures.)

I can remember my parents taking me to Bernheim as a child, and it’s nice to see how the facility has blossomed and evolved over the years. It’s even more rewarding to be able to support this Kentucky landmark today, by enhancing its beauty through our Plant for the Planet Program.

There’s still time to apply for 2012 matching tree-planting grants. Interested organizations can download an application here, and submit it by Nov. 30. We’ll announce the winners early next year.

Until next time, it’s well worth making a trip to Bernheim. There’s plenty to see and do, and it’s always nice to get reacquainted with nature.

Twenty-one organizations funded and more than 20,000 trees planted across the Commonwealth – and growing.

Since its inception in 2009, our “Plant for the Planet” matching-grant tree-planting program has benefitted numerous nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies across the LG&E and KU service territory.

Deadline is Nov. 30

Efforts to further beautify the state next spring have already taken root, as interested organizations can submit applications through Nov. 30.

Matching one-year grants ranging from $500 to $5,000 are available for urban, suburban or rural projects in forests and parks, along parkways or roadways.

If your organization or group has demonstrated tree planting success, you can download an application online at www.lge-ku.com/plantfortheplanet. Just make sure your proposal clearly states project objectives, anticipated results and how the project will improve the environment.

The Right Tree, in the Right Place

Plant for the Planet funds only support non-invasive tree species and all applicants must demonstrate that mature trees resulting from their efforts will not interfere with utility lines — consistent with our "Right Tree in the Right Place" program.

Everyone wins when you can help the environment and enhance electric reliability at the same time.

We’ll announce grant recipients next February, so spread the word about the program and invite interested organizations to submit an application today.

Until next time, keep using energy – and planting trees – wisely.