Bear Creek Lake Final 2015 30 in 30 Winner

We are proud to have awarded “30 Grants in 30 Days” between Earth Day and May 21, 2015. Bear Creek Lake State Park in Cumberland is our last 30 in 30 Grant winner, with $500 in the Litter Prevention category. Our 30 in 30 Grant program focuses greater resources and attention on organizations and individual localities throughout the Commonwealth and how they are addressing the issues of litter prevention, recycling, waste reduction, beautification and education.

Since 2011, we have provided over $90,000 in 30 in 30 Grants to 120 organizations. Government, non-profit and service organizations in Virginia were invited to apply for one of thirty grants for $500 to $1,000 in three different categories: Litter Prevention, Recycling, and Community Beautification. These grants are made possible by Altria and MeadWestvaco.

As a state owned facility, smoking is prohibited in the buildings and at the designated swim beach at Bear Creek Lake State Park. Often times, park visitors throw their cigarette butts on the ground, which is unsightly and can be a fire hazard when thrown in dry grass and leaves. Funds awarded by our 30 in 30 Grant will be used to purchase cigarette urns, providing a proper disposal receptacle and safe alternative to littering. They will be placed near the bathhouses, snack bar, swim beach and park office.

Our mission at Keep Virginia Beautiful is to engage and unite Virginians to improve our natural and scenic environment through five impact areas:  Litter Prevention, Waste Reduction, Recycling, Beautification, and Environmental Education.