Whychus Creek up for $50,000 grant

Whychus Creek could be the beneficiary of a $50,000 grant to build trail and replant native species.

The National Forest Foundation is one of several candidates up for the second annual Greater Outdoors Project $50,000 Grant, created by Redwood Creek wines and Planet Green, a 24-hour eco-lifestyle network.

Over the last three months, environmental nonprofits were invited to submit grant proposals for consideration in this year's selection process. A judging panel of outdoor experts-including Redwood Creek Winemaker Cal Dennison, TreeHugger.com founder Graham Hill, professional U.S. skier Lauren Ross and Outside magazine executive editor Michael Roberts - narrowed the competitive field to five projects.

The public is invited to log on to http://www.blazethetrail.com/greatoutdoors through May 31 to review the five projects and vote for their favorite. Outdoor enthusiasts can also text their vote to 39668 using the code that corresponds with the organization of their choice.

After the votes are tallied, one nonprofit will be awarded $50,000 and be featured in a Redwood Creek advertising campaign that will appear in leading outdoor magazines in December.

This year's field of finalists represents a variety of environmental interests:

• National Forest Foundation: The National Forest Foundation promotes the health and enjoyment of the National Forest System. The grant would be used to establish 10 miles of trail that lead to Whychus Creek using the most appropriate path to protect natural resources. It would also replant 10 acres of native species to enhance streamside habitat. Text code: forest.

• Arizona Trail Association: The Arizona Trail is a continuous, non-motorized 817-mile scenic trail. Today, 95 percent of the trail is complete. The grant would be used to build some of the most difficult remaining miles. Due to the remote location in a rugged wilderness area, these miles must be constructed by hand. Not only will the grant help complete the trail, it will allow access into backcountry near Tucson and protect a sensitive riparian area as well. Text code: trail.

• Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey: Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey protects rare wildlife populations and the habitats they depend on. With the grant, it will plant over 20 acres of wildlife habitat at Ponder Lodge, a former golf course. Located on the popular Cape May Peninsula, the project will maximize the site for use by wildlife, especially migratory birds, and people for outdoor recreation. Text code: conserve.

• Friends of City Park: Friends of City Park is dedicated to the preservation and improvement of 150-year-old New Orleans City Park. The grant would be used to reestablish 19 acres of ecosystems in the Couturie Forest, a popular woodland, nestled at the center of the park's 1,300 acres, that was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. Text code: park.

• WildEarth Guardians: WildEarth Guardians protects and restores wildlife, wild rivers and wild places in the American West. Its Santa Fe River "Stream Team" project coincides with the city's 400th anniversary this year. The grant would be used to restore a three-mile historic stretch of waterway and build a trail reconnecting the community with its namesake river. Text code: earth.

One of these organizations will join the Southeast Wisconsin Chapter of Trout Unlimited (SEWTU) as the Greater Outdoors Project winner. SEWTU put its grant money to use in 2008, funding its "Camp Creek Restoration Project" to improve the water quality and fishing opportunities in the creek, located near Madison, Wisconsin.

Greater Outdoors Project voting guidelines:

Limit one online vote per person/email address per day. Limit one text message vote per person/wireless phone number per day. Individuals who vote for a finalist via SMS or Text Messaging will be charged standard carrier-specific text message or call rates depending upon the individual's wireless or non-mobile pricing plans.