Cemex will donate $45,000 to the Edwards Aquifer Conservancy (EAC), an organization that supports and benefits the Edwards Aquifer. Cemex’s Balcones Quarry in New Braunfels, Texas, is one of the largest limestone quarries in the United States. The donation funds the Cemex Educator Excursion Series, a series of hands-on educator workshops that promotes protection and conservation of the Edwards Aquifer and its surrounding habitat located in Bexar and Comal counties.
Cemex and EAC launched the educator-focused series at the start of 2016 to teach practices that protect habitat and local species, promote water conservation and sustainable agriculture, and support the development of water management solutions within the diverse region. The EAC is a supporting organization that funds and establishes programs supporting the mission and work of the Edwards Aquifer Authority (EAA).
“We are honored to work jointly with a well-respected organization like the Edwards Aquifer Conservancy to educate the community about conserving and protecting important natural resources,” said Janet Krolczyk, environmental director of the Texas Region for Cemex USA.
“Sustainability is embedded in our day-to-day operations and support for this effort represents our commitment to giving back to the communities in which we live, work and operate,” added Joel Galassini, Cemex USA regional president – Texas Region.
Program participants receive exclusive access to aquifer-related locations and personal interaction with EAA staff geologists, hydrologists and biologists at no cost, while also receiving the opportunity for Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credit. Local educators can participate in the series by contacting the EAC directly. Excursions and programs in 2016 included a tour through the Natural Bridge Caverns near San Antonio, Texas, and an underground guided trip to study caverns at the Edwards Aquifer.
“Every educator who participates in one of these excursions represents dozens of students who are tomorrow’s protectors of the Edwards Aquifer,” said Luana Buckner, executive director of EAC. “The continued support by Cemex makes it possible to teach the concepts of water conservation, habitat preservation and good stewardship to thousands of students across the region.”
The donation is the second of three annual donations funded by the Cemex Foundation. As at all of its operations, the operation at the Cemex Balcones Quarry is committed to the protection and conservation of local wildlife and habitat through programs like this one and similar ones, including the establishment of a dedicated onsite wildlife team that educates and conducts outreach on the local habitat and wildlife on their 2,400 acres of land. The Cemex Balcones Quarry produces approximately 10-12 million tons of limestone materials annually and currently employs more than 100 people.