Protecting what connects us: Earth Day across our network

Apr 24, 2026

Earth Day 2026 Pittsburgh NS group photo

For On Earth Day (April 22), Norfolk Southern employees showed up across our network in support of cleaner waterways and stronger communities. From Atlanta to Pittsburgh, employees rolled up their sleeves for hands-on volunteering where we live and work.

Why it matters: Healthy and vibrant communities support both our people and our business by strengthening the places that keep our network moving.

How we showed up

117 employees contributed 343 hours working with local organizations on projects that protect and improve natural areas and community spaces:

Atlanta: Cleaned up the Chattahoochee River, supported improvement projects at Zoo Atlanta, and continued stewardship of our adopted Beltline segment alongside Trees Atlanta.
Cleveland: Refreshed playground space at Brecksville Reservation through mulching, tilling, and weeding.
Chicago: Supported weeding efforts at the Chicago Botanic Garden.
Birmingham: Assisted with plant sale clean-up at Birmingham Botanical Gardens.
Fort Wayne: Supported wetland preservation with the Little River Wetlands Project.
Pittsburgh: Advanced stream restoration efforts at Camp Guyasuta alongside the Laurel Highlands Council – Scouting America.

From volunteerism to long-term impact

Our work doesn’t stop with volunteer events. In 2025, we provided nearly $1 million in funding toward sustainability initiatives throughout our 22-state network.

For example, the Laurel Highlands Council – Scouting America received $16,500 in grant funding over the past two years through our Thriving Communities Grant Program to support a stream bank restoration project at Camp Guyasuta. The results are significant:

Thousands of tons of concrete debris — illegally dumped decades ago — have been removed, allowing the stream to return to a natural state.
Ongoing work includes removing invasive species like Japanese knotweed and reintroducing native grasses and pollinator seed.
The restored stream now serves as a safe, hands-on learning environment for more than 70,000 visitors each year.

Earth Day 2026 Camp Guyasuta before and after

Camp Guyasuta, before and after: NS grant funding is helping restore the stream bank through debris removal, invasive species management, and native replanting.

What they’re saying

“Thanks to the generosity of Norfolk Southern, Guyasuta Run is now free of concrete debris caused by illegal dumping. This restoration has made the stream safe once again, allowing it to serve as a natural classroom for the more than 70,000 young people and visitors who come to Camp Guyasuta each year.” — Kim Daniher, Director of Camp Guyasuta

What we’re saying

“Earth Day is a meaningful opportunity to come together and make a positive impact on the communities we serve. Our work will help strengthen local spaces and contribute to a healthier future over time.” — Kristin Wong, Director of Norfolk Southern Foundation & Community Impact

Built into how we run the railroad: While Earth Day is a moment to come together, our sustainability efforts extend beyond a single day. Sustainability is integrated into every part of our business, from how we power our locomotives and facilities to how we manage waste and protect the land. Learn more about sustainability at NS here.

By Kristin Wong, Director of Norfolk Southern Foundation & Community Impact

Kristin Wong leads Norfolk Southern’s Foundation & Community Impact team, overseeing strategic philanthropy and community engagement that align with the company’s values and support communities across its 22-state network. Under her leadership, Norfolk Southern surpassed $18 million in charitable giving for the third consecutive year in 2025, strengthening initiatives focused on sustainability, safety, workforce development, and thriving communities.