Project 46 Retreat Focuses Goals and Priorities!
On September 2nd, Project 46 members and Lotus Engineering and Sustainability leaders convened for a strategic retreat. Via group discussion and voting, the attendees identified the following four focus areas:
- Energy efficiency and renewable energy
- Flood and hazard mitigation
- Waste reduction
- Electric vehicle adoption
Identifying these focus areas will allow Project 46 and Lotus to concentrate their efforts on relevant grant opportunities, member recruiting, and subcommittee formation, according to the most prominent regional priorities.
Lotus Engineering and Sustainability is the consulting firm hired to support Project 46. Their scope of work is to track progress, recruit members, investigate funding sources, and maintain financial records. These responsibilities create a strong backbone for Project 46, allowing the organization to effectively manage relationships, finances, and programs.
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Project 46 Receives A $35,000 Capacity Building Grant
Project 46 has been awarded a $35,000 capacity building grant from The Indianapolis Foundation’s “Indiana Climate and Democracy Catalyst Fund!” This funding will support Project 46’s internal capacity, helping to recruit and onboard new members, solidify strategic priorities, build and maintain organizational structure, and advance collaborative climate action. Project 46 will use these funds to continue its mission: to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate negative economic, environmental, and health impacts caused by climate change.
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Project 46 Members Awarded $426,000 Grant For Invasive Plant Removal & Native Tree Planing
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Advisory Committee member, Lake Monroe Water Fund, has been awarded a $426,000 Landscape Scale Restoration grant from the US Forest Service for the “Indiana Forests to Faucets: Native Landscapes for Clean Water” project. Forests to Faucets aims to remove invasive plants and replace them with native species, helping to restore soil and water quality in and around the Lake Monroe watershed. The Town of Nashville, Steering Committee member and sub-awardee, has removed 34 invasive trees this spring and will plant 35+ native trees in November through their part of the grant, “Project ReTree.” The “Forests to Faucets” project has already planted over 70 native trees in the watershed, provided over 1,100 free native seedlings, and also provides technical assistance for private landowners. Those interested in volunteering to plant trees can learn more and sign up here!
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A Recap Of Lake Monroe Water Fund's Annual Beach Bash
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Lake Monroe Water Fund’s annual Beach Bash brought over 100 people together on August 8th to celebrate and support clean water, raising funds for conservation projects across the Lake Monroe watershed! Patrons enjoyed live music, lawn games, a silent auction, giveaways, and two local food trucks, all while relaxing lake-side.
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This year’s Beach Bash raised nearly $7,000 for projects that reduce runoff, improve forest and soil health, and protect drinking water for over 100,000 residents. Missed the event but want to contribute? Follow @LakeMonroeWaterFund on Instagram or visit the Lake Monroe Water Fund Facebook page to get involved!
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Indiana Energy Independence Fund (IEIF) Joins The Project 46 Advisory Committee
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Project 46 welcomes its newest Advisory Committee member, the Indiana Energy Independence Fund! IEIF is the state’s nonprofit green bank offering Indiana residents concrete investment solutions that make a difference where it matters most: in Hoosier communities. They help Hoosiers make their homes more comfortable and buildings less wasteful, resulting in lower energy bills. IEIF will provide in-kind support to Project 46 and offer expertise on clean energy financing opportunities; connections with funders in the space, and collaboration on community engagement. Learn more about IEIF here!
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Steering Committee Spotlight - Columbus
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Columbus' Riverfront Redesign and Dam Removal Project
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The City of Columbus is completing a riverfront redesign project on East Fork White River, entitled "Our River .Our Riverfront," including the removal of the 100+ year old low-head dam. Construction is currently in progress and will reinforce the river’s East bank, connect the area to Columbus’ 31+ mile long People Trail, and create an outdoor amphitheater.
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Aside from recreational benefits, the dam removal project will improve safety for those recreating in and around the river by reducing the risk of drowning. This effort will also allow fish to move up and downstream for reproduction, which is essential for maintaining healthy fish populations. Read more about the project here!
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Advisory Committee Spotlight - Sierra Club Winding Waters Group
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The Winding Waters Group of the Sierra Club Hoosier Chapter has been a source of environmental education in Bartholomew County and the surrounding area for 25+ years. Jennifer Ehara, one of the group’s newest members and a Project 46 Advisory Committee representative, has recently conducted a study on the County’s waste practices. Some key takeaways from this report are as follows:
- Most big chain grocery stores in Bartholomew County and greater Indiana participate in food waste diversion/collection, and recycling programs. Edible food waste is typically collected and donated, while inedible food waste is composted.
- Medium and small-sized entities like Bartholomew County School Corporation, local businesses, and smaller retailers tend not to contract with waste diversion companies, as these contracts are costly at a smaller scale. Federal waste diversion funding has dried up, leaving few options to reduce waste without great expense.
- The city of Columbus has a rigorous curbside recycling program. Residents outside of Columbus city limits may participate in the Bartholomew County Solid Waste Management District's (BCSWMD) recycling program in which households transport recycling to drop-off stations. There are no programs for composting food waste within the county, but BCSWMD does have one of the state's oldest and largest free yard waste collection and composting programs.
Jennifer and the Winding Waters Group’s efforts are helping to inform and improve waste management in Bartholomew County and surrounding areas. Learn more and sign up for Winding Waters Group newsletters here!
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Spooky-Season Sustainability Tips
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- Leave the leaves! Instead of raking and bagging your fallen leaves, consider ‘leaving’ some in your yard or garden beds! Fallen leaves provide essential shelter for pollinators and other wildlife during the colder months. They also naturally decompose, adding nutrients back into the soil and helping your garden thrive next spring!
- Make your home energy efficient. As temperatures begin to drop, small changes around your home can help conserve energy and lower utility bills. Seal gaps around windows and doors to prevent drafts, switch to energy-efficient LED light bulbs, and adjust your thermostat when you’re away. These simple changes can make a big difference!
- Reduce pumpkin waste. Don’t let your pumpkins go to waste after the fall festivities! Save the seeds for roasting, use the flesh in soups, baked goods, or other recipes, and compost the remaining scraps. Repurposing your pumpkins helps keep food waste out of landfills, while giving this fall favorite a second life!
- Secondhand Halloween! Get creative with your Halloween costumes and decorations this year! Instead of purchasing new items, consider buying used, swapping costumes with friends, making your own costume from existing fabric/garments, or repurposing decorations from previous years.
- Shop local and seasonal. Consider visiting local farmers markets to get the freshest ingredients for your autumn meals! Purchasing local produce helps support the local economy and reduces the distance to transport produce from the farm to your table. Don’t forget to bring reusable bags when shopping!
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Now - Apply To Bloomington Solar Grants For Income-Qualified Homeowners
The grant program will fund 100% of the cost of a 5 kW solar system for qualified Bloomington applicants. Check your eligibility here!
Nov. 10th - Plant Native Trees in Nashville with Project ReTree
Get your hands dirty and help plant 35+ native trees in and around Nashville!
WHEN: Tuesday, Nov. 10th from 9am-12pm
WHERE: Meet at the Washington St. Parking Lot near Lincoln Pinch Park (270 W Washington St, Nashville, IN 47448).
Sign Up: Sign up to volunteer here!
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Project 46 is southern Indiana's Regional Climate Alliance, seeking to enhance collaborative climate action across the region.
Project 46 Website
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