The Sierra Club - Lancaster Group recently announced the names of 12 more Lancaster County organizations that have been awarded its "Green Project" Grants. The announcement was made as part of the Sierra Club's celebration of Earth Day, April 22.

Each of the recipient organizations, in submitted proposals, explained a need for support of a venture that promotes sustainability, expands environmental awareness, and improves green infrastructure. With this latest round of awards, each for up to $500, a total of 122 Lancaster County organizations have received Green Grants from the Sierra Club - Lancaster Group over the past 12 years.

Those awarded 2026 grants, along with their projects, include Adamstown Area Library, for expanding its Grab and Grow seed collection and strengthening partnerships with local growers and gardens; Circle Legacy Center Inc., to purchase supplies to support its Three Sisters Garden that grows corn, beans and squash; the Conservation Foundation of Lancaster County, for developing an environmental education workshop about nature journaling for teachers and the general public; Historic Poole Forge, for installing interpretive signs along its nature trail and replacing damaged and deteriorated bird box posts and posts throughout the property; Lancaster Conservancy, to establish a pollinator garden behind the building that houses its offices and improve an established garden in front of the building; and Lancaster School of Psychodrama and Experiential Psychotherapies, supporting its upcoming two-day experiential retreat, in Akron, titled "Ecopsychology: Partnering with the Healing Gifts of Nature."

Also, Lancaster Science Factory, for removing sod in the center of its 3,300-square-foot courtyard and replacing it with a low-maintenance, low-water fescue mix; Let's Go 1-2-3, to purchase native plants, materials, and supplies for Lancaster's Outdoors for All Day on Wednesday, July 15, at Reservoir Park; Peace United Church of Christ in Denver, to maintain its community garden that provides the congregation and area residents with fresh produce; St. Paul Lutheran Church in Lititz, for restoring and enhancing the biodiversity of the meadow that is part of the church's ongoing Sacred Grounds Initiative; the Thomas Wharton Elementary School Parent Teachers Organization, to purchase materials for development of a KinderGarden space and a community mural within the school's current Wharton Wonder Garden; and the Traditions of America East Petersburg homeowners' association, for removing invasive plants and replacing them with native species across the community's 114-acre property.

Awarded once a year, the grants are primarily supported with funds generated by the Sierra Club - Lancaster Group's Polar Bear 5K Trail Run/Hike and, more recently, with money donated to the organization through its participation in the ExtraGive. Charitable, educational, or business organizations in Lancaster County that demonstrate a commitment to the Sierra Club's mission of "exploring, enjoying, and protecting the planet" are eligible to apply for a grant of up to $500.

The deadline to apply for the next cycle of awards is Wednesday, March 31, 2027. Recipients will be announced on Earth Day. For complete details about the Green Project Grant Program, visit http://lancastersierraclub.org/grant-program/, call 717-475-0586, or email jimsmeenan@gmail.com.