At Duquesne Light, not every hour is measured in kilowatts. The company supports the community year-round through nearly $2 million in charitable giving donations and thousands of hours of volunteer service. On April 28, Duquesne Light employee volunteers continued that tradition by planting trees, shrubs, grass, and flowers with two local organizations: Baden Academy Charter School and Mount Nebo Church.
“Duquesne Light works hard to proactively manage trees and vegetation to ensure the level of reliability our customers have come to expect,” said Jennifer Arkett, Manager of Vegetation Management at Duquesne Light. “It’s truly an honor to give back to the community through various tree-planting events throughout the year.”
Baden Academy Charter School
Duquesne Light partnered with KaBOOM! to build a new playground at Baden Academy Charter School on the same day of the tree planting. KaBOOM! is a national non-profit dedicated to bringing balanced and active play into the daily lives of all kids, particularly those growing up in poverty in America.
A newly planted Tulip Poplar will help to anchor the new playground as it grows. A Crab Apple, a Service Berry, and a Dogwood were planted in conjunction with a stage constructed as part of the KaBOOM! build.
“This stage will give the teachers at the school an opportunity to take the kids outside and teach in an open-air environment,” said Lisa Minor, Senior Community Relations Associate at Duquesne Light.
In addition, volunteers revitalized the canopy of a row of trees near the playground build site through crown-enhancement pruning (thinning, removing deadwood, crown raising). The volunteers also removed three Silver Maples that have reached the end of their useful lives.
Mt. Nebo Church
Company volunteers and approximately 20 students and other members of the congregation planted six trees at Mt. Nebo Church, in addition to various shrubs, grass, and flowers. They also spread mulch around the landscape of the church as well as the cemetery memorial.
During the planting process at both locations, volunteers helped educate participating students on the “Right Tree, Right Place” concept when selecting and planting trees. To learn more about choosing the right tree, check out Duquesne Light’s suggested vegetation management techniques to ensure reliable electric service in your area.
# # #