Southwest Airlines, in partnership with The Trinity Trust Foundation and the City of Dallas, announced a three-year, $150,000 grant for the creation of the Trinity River Conservation Corps to clean and conserve Dallas’ Trinity River Corridor. This announcement was made today in the Trinity River Corridor along the Santa Fe Trestle Trail’s Cedar Creek Overlook.

At the inaugural event were hundreds of Southwest Airlines volunteers who cleaned and cleared the Cedar Creek Overlook, giving their time from the heart. The group helped restore this riparian area by planting 400 love (or LUV) grass plants and 100 native blooming and non-blooming species provided by the Lewisville Aquatic Ecosystem Research Facility.

In attendance from Southwest Airlines were Gary Kelly, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer; Ginger Hardage, Senior Vice President of Culture and Communication for Southwest Airlines and Trinity Commons Board Member; Linda Rutherford, Vice President Communication and Strategic Outreach and other representatives.

Ginger Hardage, Senior Vice President Culture and Communication for Southwest Airlines, said, “Our commitment to the environment and giving back, along with our passion for volunteering, is why we’re proud to form the Trinity River Conservation Corps and bring the community together for the beautification of the Trinity River Corridor and Great Trinity Forest. We know that places like this are the hearts of our communities, and our Employees take pride in giving their time to keep the heart of Dallas beating strong.”

Southwest Airlines is the Founding Sponsor and Official Airline of the Trinity River Conservation Corps, which is a program to coordinate and manage multiple annual volunteer events for the conservation and upkeep of the Trinity River Corridor and Great Trinity Forest. This grant will fund the coordination and implementation of the Trinity River Conservation Corps’ efforts. Southwest will work closely with The Trinity Trust and City of Dallas to plan and execute volunteer programs that will include Southwest Airlines as the lead sponsor for their employees or local companies and organizations, such as Groundwork Dallas.

Dr. Gail Thomas, president and CEO of The Trinity Trust, said “Southwest Airlines is an exemplary company showing its love for Dallas and the Trinity River. We salute Southwest Airlines for its leadership in giving back in a tangible way with hours of volunteer time in the Trinity River Corridor. Many people will have the opportunity to see the river and trails and to experience the beauty we have in Dallas. We are honored to partner with them for the love of the city.”

Dallas City Manager Mary Suhm said, “This generous gift demonstrates Southwest Airlines commitment to the environment and to the City of Dallas. The creation of the new Trinity Conservation Corps continues Southwest's outstanding legacy of service by benefiting the Trinity River corridor through beautification."