MORRISTOWN, N.J., Oct. 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Jersey Central
Power & Light (JCP&L) has partnered with New Jersey Audubon
to create new habitat for bees, butterflies and birds at the Black
Bear Golf Club at Crystal Springs Resort in Franklin, New Jersey.
The project began last year when JCP&L and Crystal Springs
Resort personnel cleared an existing JCP&L transmission line
right-of-way at the golf course and planted native grasses and
wildflower seeds to create a pollinator friendly area. After
one growing season, the results are promising, with an influx of
bees, butterflies and birds in the area.
The goal of the project is to create a habitat favored by the
insects and animals that pollinate flowers, agricultural crops,
fruit trees and other plants, while also helping JCP&L ensure
proper clearances along the transmission line corridor to ensure
safe and reliable electric service to customers. The project
also will include signage installed by Crystal Springs Resort to
educate visitors about the work that was done and the importance of
pollinators.
"This unique habitat project showcases JCP&L's ongoing
commitment to protecting the environment," said Jim Fakult, president of JCP&L. "Our
collaborative partnerships with Crystal Springs Resort and New
Jersey Audubon make that commitment even stronger to create lasting
value in the communities we serve."
The Black Bear Golf Club at Crystal Springs Resort is positioned
in the middle of five recognized New Jersey Important Bird
Areas. The habitat enhancements also are designed to help
support native avian species, including field sparrows, prairie
warblers, blue winged warblers and indigo buntings.
"The Crystal Springs Resort possesses incredibly beautiful and
important habitat and we are thrilled to partner with New Jersey
Audubon and JCP&L in pursuit of ongoing environmental
stewardship," said Art Walton, vice
president of Crystal Springs Resort. "As a destination resort
and community hub, we have a unique opportunity to promote our
region's natural assets for the benefit and enlightenment of
many."
JCP&L and Crystal Springs Resort are members of the New
Jersey Audubon Corporate Stewardship Council, which emphasizes
voluntary environmental stewardship, sustainability, conservation
partnerships and public education.
"We are excited to be working with forward thinking partners
like JCP&L and Crystal Springs Resort," said Eric Stiles, president and CEO of NJ
Audubon. "Together, we have taken the right steps in
protecting some of our most valuable natural resources, such as
birds, pollinators and the habitat that supports them. This
land management adds to the natural beauty that already greets
resort guests and golfers."
New Jersey Audubon is a privately supported, not-for-profit,
statewide membership organization. Founded in 1897, and one
of the oldest independent Audubon's, New Jersey Audubon is working to
make New Jersey a better place for
people and wildlife. New Jersey Audubon fosters environmental
awareness and a conservation ethic among New Jersey's citizens; protects New Jersey's birds, mammals, other animals,
and plants, especially endangered and threatened species; and
promotes preservation of New
Jersey's valuable natural habitats. For more
information, visit www.njaudubon.org.
Crystal Springs Resort is acclaimed as the New York Metro area's most unique four-season
resort. Located an hour from the city, it is comprised of two
luxury hotels – Grand Cascades Lodge and Mineral Hotel; six
championship caliber golf courses, including the nationally
acclaimed Ballyowen course; 10 restaurants; two full-service spas;
and multiple indoor and outdoor pools. For more information
visit www.crystalgolfresort.com.
JCP&L is a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE).
JCP&L serves 1.1 million New
Jersey customers in the counties of Burlington, Essex, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union
and Warren. Follow JCP&L on
Twitter @JCP_L, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/JCPandL, or online
at www.jcp-l.com.
Editor's Note: Photos showing the enhanced
pollinator friendly habitat along a JCP&L transmission line
corridor at Crystal Springs Resort are available for download on
Flickr.
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SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp.