While the LSRPA’s members help to correct the past by removing decades of environmental problems throughout New Jersey’s communities, the LSRPA Foundation is seeding investments in tomorrow. Students are the primary focus of the Licensed Site Remediation Professionals Association Foundation and still the spotlight of its charitable giving. In 2022, the LSRPA Foundation, a charitable corporation created by the LSRPA, expanded to achieve a long-time goal. Collaborating with environmental groups, the Foundation now provides grants to return remediated areas to their communities as beautiful spaces for all to enjoy. ScholarshipsSince the LSPRA Foundation was formed in 2016, more than 50 scholarships have been awarded to encourage students to pursue careers in the environmental field in the State of New Jersey. Elmeryl Davies Memorial ScholarshipAwarded to undergraduate juniors, seniors or graduate students in an accredited science or engineering program, the scholarship encourages students to pursue careers in the environmental field and to provide students with opportunities to connect with LSRPA members to obtain internships and full-time jobs upon graduation. In 2022, nine full-time students – six undergraduates and three doctoral candidates - were each awarded $3,000. Suzanne Macaoay Memorial ScholarshipIn 2023, the LSRPA Foundation will expand its scholarships to include students at community colleges or other environmental-focused trade or technical programs in New Jersey. The new scholarship was named for Suzanne “Suzy” Macaoay, an active LSRPA member, geologist and the late wife of former LSRPA President Rodger Ferguson. GrantsIn Fall 2022, the LSRPA Foundation expanded its scope to support deserving environmental improvement programs – a long-term goal. Working in cooperation with environmental organizations, the Foundation supported four projects that take remediated properties and return them to their communities for public use. A Demonstration Garden in Glen Ridge The Glen Ridge Environmental Advisory Committee is building a demonstration garden on a half-acre lot that was the site of a former train station. On the site, the Foundation is funding creation of a pollinator area that will run the length of the adjacent parking lot. This area will create a critical link in the emerging Glen Ridge Pollinator Pathway, which is part of a larger regional undertaking to create a corridor of properties - private residences and public spaces - that provide safe habitat for birds, bees, butterflies, and other insects. A Rain Garden in Lambertville The Lambertville Environmental Commission is rehabilitating a fenced rain garden on the west side of Cavallo Park, which was remediated due to high concentrations of lead and beryllium in the soils. The project is adding a variety of deep-rooted native plants that will thrive in this environment and allow the soil to absorb and filter stormwater, while providing habitat for wildlife. A Reading Garden in Teaneck The Garden Club of Teaneck, housed on land previously used as a sewage treatment plant, is converting a weed-filled section of land into a “reading garden” with a “Little Public Library” that will house garden and nature reading materials; signs with information about native plant species, pollinators and what people can do locally to support the environment; and interactive storyboards that encourage children to read and learn about the natural world around them. Mulberry Street in Trenton The Foundation helped to fund the rehabilitation of a parcel on Mulberry Street in Trenton that FEMA purchased for flood mitigation. The New Jersey Conservation Foundation worked with the New Jersey Tree Foundation and the City of Trenton to create a forest buffer along Assunpink Creek with 32 serviceberry, winter king, October glory maple, and river birch trees of various diameters. In addition to mitigating flooding in the neighborhood, these trees will provide a habitat for wildlife and shade and beauty for the residents. Ways to GiveYou can support the Foundation’s mission by providing a one-time or monthly contribution. All contributions are tax-deductible. Cornhole Tournament Battle of the Bands RevenueThe Foundation is entirely supported by direct contributions and income from LSRPA fundraising events. Where It Is Planned to Go…
Founded in 2016, the Licensed Site Remediation Professionals Association Foundation, Inc., is a 501(c)3 charitable organization devoted to improving the environment and furthering the goals of the LSRP profession. The Board of Trustees of the Foundation are composed of a President, Secretary and Treasurer, along with at-large members of the Licensed Site Remediation Professionals Association (LSRPA). The President of the Board of Trustees is the Vice President for Internal Affairs of the LSRPA and the Treasurer is the same for the Foundation and the LSRPA. The Secretary of the Board of Trustees is the chair of the LSRPA College Outreach Committee, as appointed by the President of the LSRPA.
The LSRPA Foundation is a non-profit charitable organization (a 501(c)3 charitable organization) under federal IRS regulations. The Foundation's By-Laws can be accessed here. |