Union Gas helps kids reconnect with nature

$4,000 grant to Essex Region Conservation Authority's Nature in Education program

LEAMINGTON, ON, Oct. 24, 2012 /CNW/ - Union Gas is helping area students experience the local natural environment through support of the Essex Region Conservation Authority's Nature in Education program, courtesy of a $4,000 grant awarded today. The funds will help deliver a hands-on outdoor field study program at Hillman Marsh and Holiday Beach Conservation Areas. Through the program, students have the opportunity to develop a greater interest and understanding of wildlife and natural resources, and the importance of protecting and conserving these resources.

Mark Emmanuel, Union Gas district manager for Windsor/Chatham presented the cheque to Ken Schmidt, president of the board of directors of the Foundation at Hillman's Marsh, in Leamington.  Essex Regional Conservation Authority staff and grade 4 students, teachers and parents from East Mersea Public School in Wheatley, joined in the event.

"At Union Gas, we believe in investing today to ensure a bright tomorrow," said Emmanuel. "That means being environmental stewards and supporting important ecological education programs in the communities we serve. We are very pleased to continue our partnership with the Essex Regional Conservation Foundation to help make this community an even better place to live and work."

The program, which is linked to the Ontario curriculum, involves students from senior kindergarten through grade 12 and includes field activities such as map courses, hawk banding and stream table experiments at Essex Region Conservation Authority Conservation Areas.  More than 300,000 students have participated in the program since it began more than 25 years ago.

"Education is a key factor in creating a sustainable future," said Ken Schmidt.  "These programs provide a unique, alternative learning environment that allows children to reconnect and interact with nature."

Outdoor education helps to increase students' awareness and appreciation of the world around them, building a sense of interconnectedness and providing opportunities to develop new skills and competencies.

Over the past 100 years, Union Gas has been privileged to work in more than 400 Ontario communities. In addition to natural gas delivery services for homes and businesses, Union Gas has contributed to the province through significant economic investments, hundreds of jobs, millions in municipal taxes, energy efficiency programs, thousands of volunteer hours for community organizations, major charitable giving and sponsorships. Last year alone, Union Gas contributed $3 million to charitable organizations across Ontario, including more than $900,000 to United Way. For more information visit uniongas.com/community.

About Union Gas
Union Gas Limited is a major Canadian natural gas storage, transmission and distribution company based in Ontario with 100 years of experience and service to customers. The distribution business serves about 1.4 million residential, commercial and industrial customers in more than 400 communities across northern, southwestern and eastern Ontario. One of Canada's Top 100 Employers for 2011-2013, and one of Canada's Greenest Employers for 2012, Union Gas is a Spectra Energy (NYSE: SE) company, with assets of $5.8 billion and approximately 2,200 employees. For more information, visit uniongas.com.

About Essex Region Conservation Foundation
The Essex Region Conservation Foundation supports ERCA by raising the funds required to reforest and green the Essex region, provide conservation education, protect those significant natural areas that remain, plant new forests in strategic locations, restore wetlands, protect cultural heritage, and increase green connections through acquiring and developing trails. For more information visit erca.org.

SOURCE: Union Gas Limited

Union Gas Limited 
Andrea Stass
Manager, External Communications and Media Relations
Ph: 519 436-5490 or 1-800-571-8446 ext. 5490
Cell: 519 365-1010
Fax: [phone]
[email protected]

Essex Region Conservation Foundation
Susanne Tomkins
Communications Specialist
519 776 5209 ext. 366
519 984 2650 (cell)
[email protected]