Foundation Gifted $20K To Restore Protected 40 Acres In Manhattan

MANHATTAN, IL — Forty acres of preserved open space in Manhattan will receive a little help, with funds gifted to an Illinois environmental organization.

Earthrise Energy this week awarded a $20,000 RISE Grant to The Conservation Foundation, an Illinois environmental nonprofit, to help lay the groundwork to activate and restore the 40 acres of protected land.

The property, located along the Manhattan Creek, is owned by the Village of Manhattan and is adjacent to land owned by the Manhattan Park District. It is preserved as open space under a conservation easement overseen by the Foundation.

The funds will be used to conduct a site assessment, develop designs for the property, and create a restoration plan, which will include removing invasive species and replanting of native plants in subsequent years.

"We appreciate Earthrise’s support to help this open area become a real community asset. Like anything with land, it takes time, and in the coming years we’re excited to help this seemingly vacant area come to life in a way that’s good for residents and local plants and animals through Earthrise’s commitment to environmental conservation and a partnership with the Village," said Alison Paul of The Conservation Foundation.

"The Village of Manhattan is pleased to partner with both Earthrise and the Conservation Foundation to improve our community by maintaining the land along the Manhattan Creek," said Manhattan Mayor Mike Adrieansen. "As a growing community we are constantly working to balance future growth while protecting our existing community and this is a great opportunity to work together with our partner agencies."

Founded to accelerate the clean energy transition, Earthrise Energy owns and operates five natural gas peaker plants in Illinois, including the Lincoln Generating Facility in Manhattan and Crete Energy Venture in Crete. The company established its RISE Grant program to bolster nonprofit and local government organizations in supporting excellence in education, protecting the environment, and supporting the communities where Earthrise has operations and developing renewable energy projects.

"We are happy to support The Conservation Foundation and the great work they are doing to strengthen and improve the environment in Manhattan and Will County," said Leanna Rybacki, Earthrise Energy’s Project Developer in Will County. "We look forward to working with the Conservation Foundation on other opportunities to support local conservation efforts in the region in years to come."

Earthrise Energy Vice President of Development Jonathan Pike added, "At Earthrise, we are committed to playing an active role in our communities where we have operations, and to improving the quality of life for our colleagues and our neighbors."

Learn more about the Conservation Foundation at theconservationfoundation.org.