FirstEnergy has taken significant steps to support butterfly populations by participating in multiple butterfly release events. Employees from the company have engaged in activities aimed at boosting local ecosystems, reflecting a commitment to environmental stewardship.
Dave Frederick, FirstEnergy’s Director of Environmental Services, stated, “Supporting pollinators is not new to FirstEnergy, and our vegetation management practices are leading the way in helping pollinators prosper.” He further expressed pride in the company's involvement with butterfly release events initiated by employees.
The company’s Green Teams, consisting of employee volunteers, are active in various environmental initiatives such as tree planting and park cleanups. This year, they collaborated with local organizations to donate 101 butterflies for community release events across several locations.
In Toledo, Ohio, 20 monarch butterflies were donated for tagging and release by the zoo. Greensburg, Pennsylvania saw a donation of 25 monarchs as part of a larger event at LeFevre Butterfly Garden. York, Pennsylvania received 20 painted lady butterflies for Bartz Brigade’s annual Butterflies on the Lawn event. In New Jersey, 36 swallowtail butterflies were released at Cattus Island County Park and Manalapan Community Garden.
In addition to these efforts, FirstEnergy entered into a Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances (CCAA) last year to protect monarch butterflies through sustainable business practices. The company has also planted 230 acres with pollinator seed mix on its land and rights-of-way.
Frederick emphasized FirstEnergy's dual commitment: “We take pride in not only delivering safe and reliable electric power to over six million customers but also in our commitment to supporting pollinators along our rights-of-way.”