#United States #FirstEnergy Corp #Mon Power #Fairmont, West Virginia #tree planting

Mon Power's Community Initiative

This spring, a dedicated team from Mon Power, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp., took significant steps towards sustainability. Over 2,700 trees were planted throughout West Virginia, reflecting their commitment to enhancing local environments and engaging with community members. This initiative aligns with Mon Power's broader goal of reducing its carbon footprint and promoting ecological well-being.

A Community-Centric Approach

Under the guidance of their Green Team, Mon Power employees volunteered their time at various community events focused on environmental beautification. Jessica Shaffer, an advanced scientist leading the Green Teams, stated, "Community tree plantings are an important part of our commitment to building a brighter and more sustainable future. They provide valuable opportunities for our employee volunteers to give back to the communities where they live and work."

Throughout the spring, various locations across the company's service area saw active participation from volunteers:

• - Fairmont: Volunteer events included giving away over 200 saplings at the Marion County Public Library in April, as well as collaborating with the Marion County Parks and Recreation to plant three pollinator gardens in local parks.
• - Hinton: More than 100 trees were planted at Bluestone State Park in April, contributing to habitat restoration efforts.
• - Morgantown: This area saw the most extensive efforts, with over 1,200 trees planted at sites such as Camp Mountaineer, partnering with the Boy Scouts of America and collaborating with local institutions like West Virginia University and the West Virginia Land Trust.
• - Parkersburg: Green Team volunteers teamed up with the local library to give away over 100 trees, along with hosting a workshop for Earth Day, distributing an additional 64 trees.
• - Weirton: Team members, in coordination with local parks and recreation departments, successfully planted 300 trees in local parks, emphasizing environmental stewardship.

The Importance of Pollinator Gardens

In addition to tree planting, the creation of pollinator gardens played a crucial role in sustaining local ecosystems. These gardens provide essential habitats for insects and small animals, which are vital for pollination activities. Such initiatives not only enhance the natural scenery but also support biodiversity and the health of ecosystems.

Building for a Sustainable Future

This initiative is part of a more expansive environmental commitment by FirstEnergy, which has already planted approximately 16,000 trees across its six-state service territory this year alone. The company's Green Teams, comprising employees from various states including Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, and West Virginia, work closely with local parks, watershed groups, schools, and garden clubs. Their projects aim to foster environmental awareness and encourage sustainable practices in their communities.

For those interested in viewing the efforts of the Mon Power Green Team, photos documenting the tree plantings are available on FirstEnergy's Flickr page.

FirstEnergy serves approximately 395,000 customers across 34 counties in West Virginia, emphasizing its dedication to operational excellence and community engagement. To learn more about their commitment to environmental initiatives, you can visit FirstEnergy's environmental webpage.

By investing in local environments through tree plantings and community involvement, Mon Power demonstrates a strong commitment to fostering healthier ecosystems and building sustainable communities for the future.