Stihl Reveals 2023 Hearts Of Stihl Grant Recipients

Stihl has announced the winners of the 2023 Hearts of Stihl program, an initiative to care for the environment through the preservation of America’s state parks. The 2023 winners, representing the nation’s six state park regions, were each awarded a $20,000 grant to help fund sustainability, recovery, conservation or environmental education programs.

The grants are managed by the America’s State Parks Foundation, ensuring that all funding will support environmental efforts and educational programming. More than 32 parks applied for the 2023 grant.

“The Hearts of Stihl program is an extension of our commitment to socially responsible environmental stewardship,” says Roger Phelps, Stihl Inc. corporate communications manager. “We’re honored to support America’s State Parks and work with the men and women of this year’s park awardees, as they care for these American treasures.”

The winners are as follows:

• For the Northeast, Delaware Seashore State Park: Shoreline and management program for nature preserve and historic cultural site

• In the Southeast, Mississippi’s Tishomingo State Park: Renovation and enhancement of nature education center; trail maintenance and forestry management

• In Missouri, Prairie State Park: Invasive tree species removal and native tree planting program

• For the North Central area, Twin Falls Resort State Park in West Virginia: Expansion of conservation education program; establishment of wildlife habitat fishing pond

• In the Northwest, Idaho’s McCroskey State Park: Planting of 20,000 trees on 60 acres of forest; re-seeding of six acres of native Palouse prairie habitat

• For the Southwest, Colorado’s Ridgway State Park: Park modifications and improvements to become International Darks Sky Place (IDSP) certified; purchase of telescope public IDSP programs

“While the Hearts of Stihl Program directly impacts the scenic appearance and sustainability of America’s State Parks through its commitment to environmental stewardship, conservation, and community engagement, its greater benefit lies in the conservation of our natural treasures for generations to come,” says Lewis Ledford, executive director at the National Assn. of State Park Directors. “The Hearts of Stihl Program aids the efforts to ensure that these precious landscapes continue to be a source of inspiration, education, and outdoor recreation for all.”

Started in 2021 and inspired by the staff of America’s State Parks, Hearts of Stihl seeks to support programs which prioritize responsible forest management practices, sustainability, recovery, conservation, and environmental education programs. The mission of Hearts of Stihl is to help those people and programs that are caring for the national treasures that are our America’s State Parks and preserve them for the enjoyment of all Americans, current and future.

Visit www.stihlusa.com/community/hearts-of-stihl to learn more.