Durham, North Carolina – The North Carolina Urban Forest Council was awarded a $15,000 grant for tree planting by the Duke Energy Foundation. The awarded funds will be used as part of the Legacy Tree Fund program to help North Carolina communities plant trees in urban areas.

The Legacy Tree Fund program provides funding to communities in North Carolina for tree planting projects that help educate citizens about the importance of trees, the role they play in improving air and water quality, reducing energy costs, increasing real estate values, providing wildlife habitat, and making our communities more beautiful.

“With the continued support of Duke Energy, the NCUFC can issue grants to plant trees and promote Right Tree Right Place throughout North Carolina. The NCUFC Legacy Tree Fund is available to cities and groups throughout NC to assist with their efforts to create a greater tree canopy and greener NC. Duke Energy has been a longtime supporter of the Council’s efforts to create a lasting tree canopy in areas that are losing trees,” said Gene Stano, in-coming chair of the North Carolina Urban Forest Council.

The Legacy Tree Fund was started in 2010 to help communities keep their tree planting programs running when state and municipal budgets were tightening. Since its inception, the Legacy Tree Fund has awarded grants to 15 communities across the state and has helped plant more than 1500 trees. The North Carolina Urban Forest Council has a statewide goal of planting 10,000 trees in 10 years (by 2024).

“Science education and environmental stewardship are two critical focus areas for Duke Energy,” said

Duke Energy’s Indira Everett, district manager for government and community relations.

“Through the educational and tree planting efforts of North Carolina Urban Forest Council’s Legacy Tree Fund program, residents across the state can enjoy the aesthetic, environmental, and economic benefits of healthy trees,” said Barbara Fair, Chair of North Carolina Urban Forest Council.

About Legacy Tree Fund: The North Carolina Urban Forest Council’s Legacy Tree Fund is a tree-planting program that is dedicated to making North Carolina’s cities, towns, and neighborhoods more enjoyable and attractive places to live. The purpose of the NCUFC Legacy Tree Fund is to provide financial assistance to communities across North Carolina for tree planting projects that help educate North Carolina citizens about the importance of trees and the role they play in improving air and water quality, reducing energy costs, increasing real estate values, providing wildlife habitat, and creating opportunities for residents to relax and enjoy nature.

The program began as a partnership between the Council, the NC Forest Service’s Urban & Community Forestry Program, and Duke Energy. It has since grown to include various other supporters and partners including Potash Corp, Arborguard Tree Experts, and Eletricities.

Each year, the NCUFC awards grants to community groups, civic associations, block clubs, garden clubs, and other non-profit organizations for urban forestry projects involving tree planting. For more information about Legacy Tree Fund, visit http://www.ncufc.org/tree-legacy.php.

About the Duke Energy Foundation: The Duke Energy Foundation provides philanthropic support to address the needs of the communities where its customers live and work. In 2015, the foundation provided more than $30 million in charitable gifts. The foundation’s education focus spans kindergarten to career, particularly science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), early childhood literacy and workforce development. It also supports the environment and community impact initiatives, including arts and culture.

Duke Energy employees and retirees actively contribute to their communities as volunteers and leaders at a wide variety of nonprofit organizations. Duke Energy is committed to building on its legacy of community service. For more information, visit http://www.duke-energy.com/foundation.

Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Duke Energy is an S&P 100 Stock Index company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DUK. More information about the company is available at http://duke-energy.com.

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