The Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education has received a $500,000 state grant to improve its visitor center through Pennsylvania’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program.

State Rep. Tarik Khan (D., 194th) and state Sen. Vincent Hughes (D., 7th) worked to obtain the grant through the state legislature. During an Aug. 24 ceremony to present the Roxborough-based Schuylkill Center with the grant, Khan emphasized that investing in the organization is a priority for him.

“You have an incredible resource here: 365 acres of prime, healthy land that is the oxygen of our community, the oxygen — some say — of Philadelphia,” Khan told a gathering of staff and board members from the Schuylkill Center. “It’s something that needs investment. This is beautiful, but obviously there’s a lot that needs maintenance. There’s a lot that needs investment in order for us to get more people here.”

Erin Mooney, executive director of the Schuylkill Center, expressed gratitude for the grant.

“This grant not only goes to support improvements in the center, but it is an investment in nature and the health and wellness for city residents,” Mooney said. “It will bring jobs to the center and will allow us to grow into the future. I want to thank Rep. Tarik Khan for your deep commitment to the Schuylkill Center, the board of the center for your vision, and the staff of the center, who work each day to bring the wonders of nature to our community.”