“Colonial Cares” is not just a slogan. It’s the way we think. It’s the way we act. We roll up our sleeves. We get our hands dirty. We volunteer in our communities, helping Colonial’s environmental partners protect lands and watersheds in our right-of-way, and supporting schools and other trusted partners. Stewardship is part of Colonial’s commitment to protect natural resources along our pipeline system. Watch the video below and view some of our community event activities to see “Colonial Cares” in action.
Gandy’s Beach Cleanup in New Jersey
For two years, employees in Colonial’s Northeast District have partnered with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) to conduct a beach cleanup on Money Island in an area known as Gandy’s Beach, on the New Jersey shore. The 2023 cleanup event included heavy equipment and a crew of volunteers who removed a dumpster full of garbage and another full of concrete. These efforts help support a living shoreline of oyster reefs that TNC has created to reduce local erosion problems.
Reef Building in Coastal Louisiana
Colonial volunteers make an annual trip to support team members from our Gulf Coast District on a partnership with the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana (CRCL) to build a reef to protect burial grounds of the Pointe-Au-Chien Indian Tribe. CRCL’s reef restoration work began in 2014, and since then, it has recycled more than 13 million pounds of oyster shells from New Orleans restaurants. The reefs protect against coastal erosion and allow for growth of new oysters and fish habitats.
Clearing Trails in the Cahaba River Wildlife Refuge
Colonial has a longstanding partnership with the Cahaba Riverkeeper in Alabama. One joint project included the removal of invasive plant species and trail clearing in the Cahaba River Wildlife Refuge in Bibb County, Ala. This annual service day for Colonial volunteers was aimed at clearing trees, establishing native plant life, and enhancing recreational opportunities for visitors to the refuge’s 3,681 acres.
Chattahoochee Riverkeeper – Peachtree Creek Cleanup
This one may have set a record for Colonial Cares. During its annual day of environmental stewardship, Colonial’s Georgia team joined forces with Chattahoochee Riverkeeper volunteers and worked tirelessly to remove 1,720 pounds of trash and debris from Peachtree Creek in Atlanta. That’s 86 percent of a TON!!! Colonial is a strong supporter of clean water programs and is very proud of our Colonial family and volunteers who stepped up to plate and knocked it out of the park!
Celebrating 811 Day with Discovery Place Kids
Colonial has forged an education- and public awareness-focused partnership with the Discovery Place museum system in Charlotte that in 2023 included sponsorship of an 811 Safe Digging celebration at Discovery Place Kids in Huntersville, NC. Colonial employees set up exhibits and staffed education booths for more than 200 children and their families, who had the chance to operate a mini-excavator, dig in a sandbox to discover “what’s underground,” and learn about the importance of calling 811.
Friday Night Fishing on the Anacostia River
Colonial is proud to sponsor the Anacostia Riverkeeper’s free Friday Night Fishing series, which brings families to the Washington, D.C., riverfront each summer. Colonial employees join in the fun to help teach fishing and bait hooks for participants as they learn how, through the Riverkeeper’s efforts, the Anacostia has become more healthy and accessible through years of monitoring and advocacy.