Bend, Ore. — The Oregon State Parks Trust has secured a $5,000 grant from the PacifiCorp Foundation for Learning. The grant will contribute to the Model Sustainable Park Practices project, which seeks to create two demonstration and education sites in Central Oregon at Pilot Butte State Scenic Viewpoint and Tumalo State Park.
Specifically, this grant will be used to create educational and interpretive displays that communicate the benefit of the sustainable upgrades planned at Pilot Butte.

“Pilot Butte is a popular venue providing Oregon Parks with a great opportunity to educate the public about sustainable practices,” said Angela Jacobson, Pacific Power’s regional community manager in Bend. “Through our Foundation, we’re always looking to support projects that benefit education and the environment. Helping Oregon’s parks make this effort special.”

In its latest round of grants, the PacifiCorp Foundation for Learning awarded nearly $63,000 civic and community grants to 14 nonprofit education programs throughout Oregon. It also awarded $12,500 to small capital improvement projects in Portland, Moro and Medford.

The PacifiCorp Foundation for Learning was created and incorporated as a corporate foundation in 1988 in order to become the major channel of philanthropy for PacifiCorp, Pacific Power and Utah Power. PacifiCorp and its employees have a long tradition of active involvement in the communities served by Pacific Power, including charitable contributions, sponsorships of community events and in-kind donations. The Foundation’s civic and community grants are one of four groups of awards each year. Other award categories are education, arts and culture, and health and human services.  

The Foundation’s mission is to foster strategic sustainable learning initiatives that serve the best aspirations of individuals, organizations and communities, and that enhance and develop their capabilities to address significant challenges and opportunities. To apply for a grant, and to review specific eligibility requirements, go to 
www.pacificorpfoundation.org .

Through the Model Sustainable Park Practices project our community will learn about sustainable practices including resource conservation, renewable-energy sources, and the economic and environmental impact of incorporating sustainability into our daily lives. The knowledge gained will allow the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department to intelligently adopt sustainable practices in the future throughout the state park system, positively impacting all of Oregon.

The Oregon State Parks Trust is coordinating the fundraising efforts to complete this demonstration project. The mission of the Oregon State Parks Trust is to preserve and improve Oregon’s natural, scenic, cultural, historic and recreational sites for the enjoyment and education of present and future generations. Oregon’s state parks are the envy of the nation. This large system of parks encompasses some 233 properties and 99,000 acres of land and offers an unparalleled recreational experience for the 39.6 million annual campers, tourists, local Oregonians and other visitors. Since 1995, the Oregon State Parks Trust has contributed over $5.8 million to preserve our parks.

To make a tax-deductible contribution or for more information call 1-800-497-2757 or visit www.oregonstateparkstrust.org . Send donations to Oregon State Parks Trust, P.O. Box 581, Bend, OR 97709. 

Media inquiries: newsdesk@pacificorp.com