Keep Fairfield Beautiful (KFB) is seeking community support for their recently awarded a $5,000 Plum Creek Foundation challenge grant for 2009.

This grant requires KFB to raise additional funds for our Canoes for Conservation project from businesses or other community groups and supporters.

Plum Creek Foundation will match any amount that is raised by KFB up to the maximum of $5,000.

Donations to this grant award effort must be received before April 4th to be considered for the match.

KFB Canoes for Conservation project funds will be used to purchase the 9 collapsible canoes.

In the past 2 years KFB has rented canoes for our 4-H20 Environmental camp.

This single item was a barrier as to how to raise funds to cover the cost.

KFB hopes that through these grant funds they will be able to utilize the canoes for the camp as well as to create an avenue for all citizens to afford to explore and protect Fairfield County’s natural beauty.

Keep Fairfield Beautiful partners with Clemson Extension to offer their 3rd annual 4-H20 Environmental Class this year on July 6 through 10, 2009.

They will kick off the Canoes for Conservation at that event.

The Monday- Thursday event will be conducted at the Town of Winnsboro Reservoir.

Within the environmental camp our students learn stewardship as well as the scientific reasons why there is a need to protect the planet.

They explore water testing, water and waste treatment, watersheds and tree identifying.

They learn about the natural habitat, boating, fishing, as well as having local residents explain how their jobs are tied to the water sources in the county.

There is also swimming and crafts.

Each year within the 4-H20 Camp, there is a reservoir clean up which requires the canoes.

Students learn first hand the consequences of pollution.

“This clean up service project has led me to see how much cleaner our waters would be if there were a organization that would house and loan out canoes to other small groups in our county,” said KFB Executive Director, Mary Urias.

The KFB Canoes for Conservation program would ask that all who sign out the canoes be properly educated on boaters safety and would also be required to do a clean up (either on water or on land) while using the boats.

Urias continued, “this program will create and foster a positive learning tool to actively engage children, their parents, and all citizens of Fairfield County to rediscover the beautiful wonders of nature.”

For more information on the program or to make a donation towards the matching grant, call Mary Urias at 625-4722.

“Working together we can make a difference!”