Trudging up a secluded dirt path at Conestee Nature Preserve in Greenville, S.C., reveals a sprawling meadow, a uniquely cherished oasis surrounded by hundreds of acres of natural habitats. On a humid summer morning, volunteers from Piedmont Natural Gas gathered here not for recreation, but to plant milkweed—an essential food source for crucial pollinators like bees and butterflies.
 
Brent Laney, a volunteer from Piedmont Natural Gas, expressed his commitment to improving their shared home: "This is where we live, so anything I can do to make it better, I’m all for it." Duke Energy, through its Natural Resources Group, goes beyond mere effort, actively leading conservation projects, enhancing habitats, promoting biodiversity, and advancing environmental initiatives to safeguard our planet's future. These efforts coexist with the responsibility to maintain and upgrade utility infrastructure without compromising the environment.
 
James McRacken, Lead Environmental Scientist at Duke Energy, has dedicated nearly eight years to preserving wildlife and habitats near company operations. He underscores the significance of milkweed, a plant crucial for attracting butterflies, birds, and bees that facilitate pollination—a process vital for our ecosystems and agricultural produce.
 
Surprisingly, many are unaware of McRacken's role with the electric utility. During fieldwork, curious observers often approach him to inquire about his activities. "I’m a wildlife biologist for Duke Energy," he explains. "They’re often surprised to learn that we conduct such studies and care for the diverse plant and animal species that inhabit this area."
 
The Natural Resources Group extends its habitat conservation efforts to transmission and distribution rights-of-way—critical corridors for delivering electricity. McRacken oversees the bird hotline, ensuring the safe relocation of nests discovered in Duke Energy infrastructure. Their commitment transcends mere compliance; as McRacken states, "Duke Energy aims to be a responsible environmental steward."
 
Hank McCullough, a seasoned community relations manager at Piedmont Natural Gas, organized the milkweed planting event. Recognizing the positive impact on local communities, McCullough plans additional volunteer opportunities, including sustainable tree planting events in Greenville and Spartanburg counties.
 
Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas employees focus on comprehensive natural resource conservation, including forest management, aquatic protection, and initiatives like the Island Habitat Program, which encourages community groups to adopt and maintain islands by cleaning up litter and monitoring wildlife. The Catawba-Wateree Habitat Enhancement Program, funded through fees from property owners and developers, supports ecosystem sustainability around Catawba-Wateree reservoirs.
 
Through partnerships with organizations like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Duke Energy actively contributes to species conservation efforts, such as the monarch butterfly and protected bat species. Their insights aid in developing effective conservation strategies, ensuring a sustainable future for these vital species.