The Kent Environmental Council is happy to announce the approval of Legacy for the Environment grants to four area organizations.

Among those approved is a grant of $850 to the Portage Soil and Water Conservation District. This grant is being used to improve the water quality and fish population at the Skeels-Mathews Community Center pond. Their goal is to improve the pond facility for area children to learn about recreational fishing in a natural setting.

The Haven of Portage County, in cooperation with Open United Recovery of Portage County and Portage County Master Gardener Volunteers, is receiving a KEC grant 0f $1,000 to assist in the development a food forest garden, and to train Haven residents in sustainable gardening practices. The proposed food forest is being developed on the Haven’s property between Kent and Ravenna.

Another Legacy grant of $1,000 has been awarded to the City of Kent to aid in the construction of a habitat chimney for the migratory chimney swift. The swift was once abundant in the area, so much so that it is represented on the Kent State University Seal. The proposed structure will be in the form of a 20’ brick and tile chimney, to be located on the N.E. corner of the Kent Police Department property, along the Portage Hike and Bike Trail and next to Haymaker Parkway.