NELSONVILLE, Ohio – The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio (FAO) in partnership with the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) has awarded $161,965 to support projects and individuals committed to advancing conservation and environmental stewardship in the region.

Funding was available to support community projects, fellowships, research and innovation in the 32 counties of Appalachian Ohio and seven additional counties served by MWCD.

Community grants

Five community grants, totaling $20,000, will support locally driven projects that preserve and enhance the natural environment. Funding was awarded locally to:

— The Burchfield Homestead Society in Columbiana County to support the expansion of its garden arts programming, including updating the garden and maintenance equipment and implementing a series of pollinator garden-inspired arts workshops.

Fellowship

Rebecca Eagle-Malone, PhD, an assistant professor of biology at Malone University, was awarded a fellowship to support her work to develop a week-long science camp for students at Carrollton Middle School in Carroll County.

Dubbed “Let’s Get Environmental,” the camp will provide students opportunities to assess sustainability measures, conduct biodiversity surveys, map trails and explore environmental-related careers in Appalachian Ohio during summers 2025 and 2026.

Research grants

Seven grants, totaling $115,965, will support studies that address critical gaps in understanding of diverse ecosystems and contribute to the conservation and enhancement of aquatic biodiversity and healthy habitats. Funding was awarded locally to:

— Franciscan University of Steubenville to support habitat restoration, remediation, animal husbandry and ongoing environmental stewardship and educational outreach in portions of Cross Creek, Short Creek and Yellow Creek watersheds in Belmont, Columbiana, Harrison and Jefferson counties for the hellbender salamander, an endangered amphibian.

Scholarships

Applications for the first Environmental Stewardship Pillar of Prosperity Scholarships will be available Monday, Jan. 13, through Friday, Feb. 14, at www.AppalachianOhio.org.

These scholarships support individuals seeking degrees or continuing education in ecology, forestry, wildlife ecology or related natural resource fields, as well as skilled trades, vocational and technical training in fields that integrate and support green energy technology, sustainable agriculture and land stewardship. Qualified individuals at any point in their education may apply. Preference will be given to applicants with an expressed intent to live and work in Appalachian Ohio.

For information on these funding opportunities and how to support or create opportunities for the people and communities of Appalachian Ohio, visit www.AppalachianOhio.org, email info@ffao.org or call 740-753-1111.